Brighton Council is the latest to release an active transport strategy for community consultation in a bid to cater to its younger population and residential growth pockets.
The council approved the ten-year strategy for consultation at its meeting last Tuesday, with the hopes it will also help reduce transport emissions, improve transport affordability and fill the gaps in limited public transport services.
Councils are adopting active transport strategies across the state thanks to state government funding and templates to streamline the process.
The Brighton strategy identifies 26 priority projects to improve active transport, with a focus on safe routes to schools, shops and services that can be used by riders of all ages and abilities.
The majority of these are shared paths to complete the current network rather than cycling-specific infrastructure.
Brighton’s low residential density means shared use paths are unlikely to be crowded at any one time, making them useful for people riding as well as walking.
Signage and information about the area’s shared path network is limited so the strategy proposes creating an online map of walking and cycling routes as well as installing clear signs and information boards along key routes.
Secure bike parking is also singled out as an important element at activity centres, parks and high priority bus stops.
The highest priority shared path projects to ideally be delivered in the next 1–3 years are:
- investigate extending the Bridgewater Foreshore Trail north along the west bank of the Jordan River to connect to the cul-de-sacs off Bisdee Road, other sections of Bisdee Road, and Cove Hil Road.
- extend riverside shared paths on either side of new Bridgewater Bridge
- shared path for the southern side of Downie Street from between Bemlena Place and the Brighton Road intersection
- investigate marking Munday Street–Racecourse Road as a quiet streets cycling route.
In the medium to longer term the strategy identifies more ambitious projects such as:
- investigate the design and costings to the upgrade of Old Main Road in accordance with Bridgewater Bridge Masterplan, which includes cycling infrastructure
- activate the non-operational rail corridors on the Derwent Valley and South lines for shared paths as outline in the Bridgewater Bridge Masterplan.
To contribute to the consultation, sign up to the council’s Your Say page to be notified when it opens at https://haveyoursay.brighton.tas.gov.au/
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