Policies and initiatives > Direction 8. Better transport links > Policy 8.7

Policy 8.7 – Give more priority to cycling and walking in planning urban development and in managing our road system and neighbourhoods

For many trips, walking and cycling are the most energy-efficient and effective means of mobility, minimising the environmental impacts of travel and providing direct benefits for personal health and social wellbeing.

Much urban development in past decades has discouraged the use of walking and cycling. People are put off cycling by traffic and by the lack of end-of-trip facilities including parking, storage and showers. Pedestrians, people with prams and pushers, and people using wheelchairs and scooters are discouraged by the poor quality of the pedestrian environment. The design of many newer subdivisions locates neighbourhood facilities such as local shopping centres and community facilities beyond convenient walking distance.

These barriers will be removed to create an environment that is safe and attractive for all people, including pedestrians and cyclists, and particularly for the young and other vulnerable users. Local cycling networks and new cycling facilities will complement the metropolitan-wide network of bicycle routes – the Principal Bicycle Network – which will be completed, resources permitting, by 2015.

Figure 44. Providing for cycling - click for more detail

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