Last night, Bicycle Network joined Federal MP Tim Watts and a number of people from across government, advocacy and the local community to discuss cycling participation in Melbourne’s West.
Hosted by Federal Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts MP, the public forum heard from Stephen Hodge from the Australian Cycling Promotion Fund, Sarah Carter from Maribyrnong City Council and Bicycle Network’s own Sarah Diamond, Victoria’s Ride2School Manager.
Boosting the number of people (and children) riding bikes in Melbourne’s west is key to combatting health and congestion concerns bolstered by recent rapid population growth.
In the promotion of active travel within the western suburbs diverse school communities, Bicycle Network’s Sarah Diamond emphasized the need for a multi-faceted, multi-departmental approach by State and Federal governments.
Sarah Carter from Maribyrnong City Council also revealed that not only has the council doubled its bike spend in recent months, plans are underway for a fully separated, Copenhagen-style bike lane on French Street.
To truly reap the rewards of healthier, happier and more active communities, all speakers agreed that we must address the current lack of connected infrastructure that makes it easier for more people to ride bikes across Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The public cycling forum was attended by more than 65 people.
"We're all true believers, but we need to take cycling outside the tribe to build institutional support in parliament." says @TimWattsMP.
— Bicycle Network (@bicycle_network) October 12, 2017
Active mobility playing a leading role in public forum organised by @TimWattsMP in Footscray w Sarah Diamond & Sarah Carter -full house! pic.twitter.com/paDyFbfUrR
— Cyclng Promotion Fdn (@CPFAust) October 12, 2017
Drawing on experiences in the Netherlands, Sarah says "make it safe, build it and they will come."
— Bicycle Network (@bicycle_network) October 12, 2017