Increasing Active Transport in the Macedon Ranges
TAG - Transport Action Group (a recently formed sub-group within the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group - MRSG) advocates for sustainable transport solutions for the whole community. We are guided by the latest industry, scientific and governmental reports on sustainability, health and safety. Transport needs impact the urban design of our townships and the the urban design dictates the movements of our communities. Design appropriate transport infrastructure has a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of our community as well as a massive impact on our environment. The impact of which financially is now becoming apparent as well. Up until now our planning has been very car centric, decisions have been made without considering all road users particularly the most vulnerable. Around the world there has a rethink, locally our government has begun some new initiatives to make the roads safer for all, to increase the communities incidental exercise promote by encouraging the community to engage in more Active Transport. It is now well recognised the role the urban fabric plays in our community health and wellbeing. Good design and planning provide a safe, interconnected community. TAG is very keen to work with our local Council and road authorities to encourage Active Transport and implement some changes in our local communities starting with the Woodend Town Structure Plan
Recommendations
The current vision could be amended to reflect the following: Council is committed to fostering the health, well- being and safety of residents and visitors by promoting an attractive, connected and vibrant municipality. Key objectives associated with realising this vision are:
To foster community participation and social connectedness - lower speeds so roads/pathways are shared and people dwell and spill out into public spaces. Support car free days and cycling walking days
Prioritise pedestrian and cyclists movement, direct safe pathways through town, cars giving way eg. High St side streets allowing pedestrian/ cyclists.
Encourage PT usage by accommodating bikes, on trains, end of trip facilities, reduce carpark space requirements.
To create an identifiable local sense of place, re-establish Town Square, Clocktower precinct, avenue walk to Railway under treed canopy.
To support a safe, efficient and integrated pedestrian, transport and traffic network that adequately serves the needs of residents, workers and visitors. Direct safe pathways and crossings
To enhance and maintain a range of open spaces that are easily accessible and amenable and match the needs of the local community.
To create high-quality, safe and connected pedestrian and cyclist environments to encourage active forms of transportation
Implementation
TAG have looked at some current programs and initiatives which we are requesting the Council support in order to permit access to Active Transport and encourage much greater adoption:
Support children’s mobility projects such as the Ride2School with local school participation assistance
Includes Woodend in the National Bike & Shared trail use count inclusion, Super Sunday, Super Tuesday. • Support participation in Ride2Work days
Pursue Bike Friendly Accreditation for Woodend Township
Provide cyclist education, skills & mechanic training sessions
Provide Mapping of most direct, safe pedestrian and bicycle routes into town
Review of road space allocation with a view to creating safe and clear bicycle lanes
Examine Walkability and accessibility upgrade projects such as pedestrian crossings to provide the necessary infrastructure
Review and upgrade of signage to improve local legibility, information and wayfinding
Review speed limits to identify areas where speeds should be reduced to human tolerable levels ie. 40km/h or less (30km/h being worlds best practice)
liaising with VicRoads and other authorities when considering infrastructure
Prioritise the community with design of shared trail networks for tourists. Best practice is an integrated approach accommodating school children incidental activity pathways