How has commuter riding changed in Geelong in ten years? We’ve found some stats. You be the judge.

2001 to 2011

Methods of travel to work for a decade. Src: http://profile.id.com.au/geelong/travel-to-work

In ten years, 63 more people riding to work but 13,072 more people driving.  As a percentage of all modes of transport used, riding a bike has actually gone backwards, whereas the single occupant motor vehicle has increased.

How has this happened when? Was it from a lack of understanding? We’ve done some digging around to find out what Council and its consultants have been saying about active transport for the last decade…

2003

“The Strategy, while acknowledging the ongoing role of cars and other motorised vehicles, also considers the need to reduce car dependence through better integration of transport and land use planning and by better promoting other modes of travel such as walking, cycling and public transport.” Geelong transport strategy

2004

“Recommendations: 2004/05 CLIP grant projects to place an emphasis on the infrastructure of public open space for walking, running or cycling and support infrastructure development…” City of Greater Geelong Walking More Walking Safely – 2004

2005

“Encourage ‘green travel plans’ to reduce private vehicle use by employees, residents or customers. Create a convenient and attractive walking environment, and improve safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and people accessing public transport.” Western Wedge framework

2006

“Actions: 24.1 Implement transport management policies that encourage the use of sustainable transport modes for accessing activity centres, including the use of public transport (buses in the Geelong context), bicycles, and pedestrian movement.” CITY OF GREATER GEELONG –  RETAIL STRATEGY  2006

2007

“Central Geelong is also highly car dependent. A range of measures are needed to make walking and cycling more attractive and safer.” Central Geelong Structure Plan 2007

2008

“Furthermore it is evident that currently in the City of Greater Geelong not having dedicated resources (human and financial) to address and advocate for cycling, and related active transport issues, cycling provision tends to be overlooked” City of Greater Geelong Cycle Strategy

2009

“Options for accessible transport are key to sustainability and wellbeing, and are a top priority for our community. We will encourage a variety of transport modes, urban designs and active transport support programs that reduce our car dependence. We will give priority to these options in planning and development.” City Plan 2009-2013

2010

“Outcomes: Increased use of public transport and active transport” SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: Infrastructure Development Guidelines, City of Greater Geelong

2012

“Provision of a responsible officer “Sustainable Transport Officer/Engineer” to review all CoGG infrastructures with regard to cycling” Geelong Road safety strategy

2013

“Encourage increased use of alternatives to car transport and seek efficient traffic movement throughout the municipality.” City Plan 2013-2017

“Connecting people and places – creates an integrated , attractive and well-designed pedestrian and cycling network which supports healthy living and public safety” Central Geelong Action Plan 2013

“Healthy environments

• Improving opportunities for active transport through ongoing construction and maintenance of safe walking and cycling routes.” Geelong Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017

“The City of Greater Geelong will work to promote participation in physical activity by supporting populations to engage in active travel, sport and active recreation

Practical mitigation responses:

• Reduce private vehicle use, resulting in less waste heat from exhaust. “ City of Greater Geelong and Wyndham City Council Urban Heat Island Report

2014

“The City of Greater Geelong is committed to discouraging unnecessary car use and improving health and wellbeing of the community by creating street environments that are attractive for people using active transport modes.” “8,487 people in the City of Greater Geelong have diabetes. This figure has increase by ninety percent from 2002-2009.”Draft Geelong Integrated Comprehensive Transport Plan

“Best practice suggests that income from parking management programs is used to support and grow public and active transport access options which will support ongoing development and growth in Central Geelong” Central Geelong Car Parking & Access Strategy, which also includes the following practical short term options:

• “Reallocation of road space to create bus and bicycle lanes to give people real alternatives to travelling by car. Geelong has a good opportunity to create world class conditions for cyclists.

• Review and update Council’s bicycle strategy in respect to a finer grain network within Central Geelong. Implement the findings as a matter of priority;”

Active transport (bike riding and walking) has increased marginally in the last ten years despite many reports, strategies proposing prioritising active transport.  In comparison to growth it has hardly moved, while car dependency has increased strongly.