Consultation is now underway on Armidale Regional Council's proposed Active Transport Strategy. The strategy is expected to encourage residents and visitors to embrace healthier and more sustainable modes of active transport networks in the region and to provide the facilities they need to walk and cycle safely in and around the city.
The strategy is being developed with input from the community. It will outline a series of initiatives to make active transport, such as walking (including the use of mobility scooters), cycling and scootering more accessible and safer for all users in the community.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said the strategy aligns with the community's aspirations for sustainable transport options and improved well-being.
"The launch of our new Active Transport strategy reflects the community's desire for more sustainable transport options and a healthier lifestyle," said Mayor Coupland
"We understand that safety and accessibility are often barriers for people who want to cycle and walk. This new strategy aims to address those barriers and make active transport a viable option for everyone."
The Active Transport Strategy will be:
– Inclusive of all active transport users: The plan will consider the specific needs of a range of groups, including older people, pedestrians with mobility and vision impairments, residents, school children and tourists.
– Consider a broad array of trips: The plan will incorporate measures for both functional users (e.g. people travelling to work, school and shopping centres) and recreational users (e.g. tourists and residents cycling for leisure).
– Expanded to include all active transport modes: The document should consider emerging modes such as electric bikes and scooters which are likely to expand the range of ages, abilities and family structures of people using active transport.
Council invites all residents to get involved in the development of the Active Transport Strategy and help make the community a more sustainable and healthier place to live. The exhibition period for the survey will last 28 days from Friday 28 July to Thursday 24 August 2023, during which the community can engage with council staff and consultants preparing the strategy at the Guyra markets on Saturday 12 August and the Armidale Farmers Markets on Sunday 13 August 2023. Additionally the community can share their feedback through an online survey, and make formal submissions on the council's interactive web map, available on Council's yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au online engagement platform.
