Providing safer walking and cycling options form part of a new City of Whittlesea plan increasing the levels of participation in active travel.
The council’s Walking and Cycling Plan 2022-2027 will guide improvements to create safer and more accessible walking and cycling opportunities over the next five years.
Earlier this year, council asked for community feedback and received more than 130 submissions on the draft plan.
Results showed residents were dedicated to expanding the exising walking and cycling network.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the community consultation introduced other key themes such as missing links in current routes.
“Other key themes that emerged from the consultation included connecting missing links in current routes, the need for safe crossings at busy streets, as well as addressing factors that might limit participation in walking and cycling such as a lack of shade and inadequate lighting,” she said.
Ms Wilson said council aimed to increase health and wellbeing of the community through the plan, which was endorsed at last month’s council meeting.
“We’re keen to get more people out and about to walk and cycle, both for recreation but also as a mode of transport,” she said.
“We know that by doing this, we will increase the health and wellbeing of our community, while also improving environmental outcomes such as a reduction in traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.”
To view the plan and priority projects, people can visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
