Better Streets Brisbane have been busy campaigning for streets that welcome everyone in advance of the local Council election (polling day is March 16th). Though party politics has made it to the local Council level in Brisbane, it’s been heartening to see policy platforms focused on giving people transport options and how to make Brisbane a better place for people. The team have been meeting candidates, attending forums, tracking and contributing to local projects and engaging with community members to help make sure the city’s rapid changes lead to a better tomorrow. Felicity Caldwell produced a good rundown of the walking and cycling policies of the major parties for the Brisbane Times.
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Walking, riding a bicycle and scooting to school offers many benefits, both for children’s physical and mental well-being, as well as for the environment and the community more broadly. Aside from the fact that most kids want to walk, ride or scoot to school if they can, the top six reasons should be: 1. Active travel improves physical health Active travel (walking, riding and scooting) is an excellent form of exercise that can help children and young adults improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of obesity. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of physical activity on children's health. It is also great for the parents and carers who accompany children to get some extra exercise into their day. Encouraging students to walk and cycle to school establishes healthy habits and a love of riding and walking early in life, which they are likely to carry into adulthood. This can lead to a lifetime of physical activity and better overall health outcomes. Australian kids are hugely car dependent with only 14% of kids making their way to school independently. This has enormous costs to physical and psychological health. Australian teens rank 140 out of 146 of the least physically active nations around the world (The Lancet), with 25% of Australian kids obese, and 67% of Australian adults overweight or obese (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). The combined impact of physical activity, overweight and obesity ranks equally with tobacco control as the leading factors in disease prevention in Australia. 2. Active travel improves mental health and academic performance Regular physical activity, such as walking, riding and scooting, has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and better mental health and overall sense of well-being in children and young adults. Research shows that physical activity, including walking and cycling to school, enhances cognitive function, improves behaviour in class and academic performance. Walking and cycling to school helps children arrive more alert and ready to learn. A survey of Australian parents by the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne found that most parents identified benefits of children travelling independently to school with 84% identifying that it helps build independence and problem solving skills These same benefits apply to the parents and carers making the trips with their students and/or freed up to travel to work by active travel or public transport rather than continuing on in the car after drop off. 3. Active travel improves traffic safety by reducing congestionTraffic congestion and problems parking around schools are a nightmare for all members of the school community including neighbours. Fewer cars around schools reduce the risk of accidents during drop-off and pick-up times, making the area around the school safer for everyone. When children walk or cycle to school, there are fewer cars on the road during peak traffic times. This reduces the overall volume of traffic on our streets and means less congestion for everyone. Fewer cars around schools also reduces the risk of crashes during drop-off and pick-up times, making the area around the school safer for everyone especially children. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 14, contributing to 13% of deaths in this age group. When more children walk or cycle to school, there are fewer parents driving around schools trying to find parking spots, leading to less delay for people who need to drive . Encouraging children to cycle to school normalises getting around without a car. This cultural shift can have a long-term impact on reducing traffic congestion as people become more accustomed to walking, cycling and using public transport to get around. 4. Active travel can reduce your cost of living Active travel is a low cost way to get around. Families can save money by reducing the number of vehicles they need to own, fuel used, tolls, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance. The average household spends $25,000 a year on transport, mostly on vehicle insurance, registration , petrol, financing and so on. A bicycle costs fraction of that. Find out more about how to ride down the cost of living on the Bicycle NSW website. 5. Active travel promotes kids’ independence and interaction with their local community Walking, riding and scooting to school and other activities can strengthen the sense of community by encouraging children and families to interact with neighbours and local businesses on their way to school. Where traffic and crossings are safe, walking and cycling to school without an adult fosters a sense of independence and responsibility in children and is closely linked to a higher sense of well-being. Walking and cycling in groups or with friends can enhance children’s social skills and build friendships. In early years when parents and carers accompany children or arrange walking and cycling buses, active travel supports new adult friendships and invaluable networks of support to help with looking after children. Driving children to school takes time and can have an impact on parents and carers productivity. If traffic and crossings are safe for children to walk or cycle to school without an adult then the time otherwise spent picking up and dropping off can be used to do other things. 6. Active travel has enormous environmental benefits According to the Department of Climate Change, over 10% of Australia's total emissions are from motor vehicles. Around the world, traffic emissions have been causally linked with childhood asthma and respiratory infections, reduced lung capacity, systemic inflammation, impaired cognitive development and behavioural problems. For unborn children, traffic pollution is associated with stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth and organ damage, as well as impaired respiratory and immune development, and adverse impacts on neurodevelopment including a reduced IQ. The Melbourne Climate Futures Centre found that in Australia, traffic pollution likely causes 11,105 premature deaths in adults and 66,000 childhood asthma cases each year. Cycling reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality particularly around schools. This benefits both children and the community at large by reducing exposure to air pollution. Easy things you can do to get your family riding, walking or scooting to school: 1
6. Get your family insured with a Bicycle NSW Membership so that you can ride with peace of mind knowing that you are covered by comprehensive insurance, as well as gain access to lots of other member only benefits.
7. Contact your local council to see if they have an active travel plan or offer any support to get residents riding, walking or scooting. Victoria is very active with many groups engaged in Better Streets. The main focus for Victoria this year is the local government elections in October 2024. If any other organisations in Victoria would like to collaborate, please reach out contact@betterstreets.org.au.
Better Streets Melbourne is the local chapter representing issues that affect the whole of Naarm. The local Coalition members include:
If you would like to stay engaged in discussions you are welcome to join our Slack group: betterstreets.slack.com We are delighted that Better Streets has been part of an important recent win for local street-related decision-making in NSW.
Thanks to the persistent efforts of some of our members over a five-year campaign, local councils are now empowered to directly influence their local streets without needing state approval. This monumental change, effective on local and regional roads until at least June 2026, includes the power to control on-street parking, pedestrian crossings and refuges, adding (but not removing) cycleways, outdoor dining and parklets, trees and vegetation, new and widened footpaths and so on. The works can be permanent or temporary, and no longer require Road Safety Audits, making them cheaper and faster to implement. Cutting red tape also means that councils can delegate a staff member to implement works that have been agreed by a Local Traffic Committee (LTC) without waiting for a full council meeting. For example, if the LTC reviews a temporary road closure for an event, it is no longer necessary to wait for full council endorsement of the LTC report before the work is done. Back in April 2023, we reported on new temporary delegations to councils, but with significant restrictions. For example, they didn’t apply within 100m of a traffic signal, nor on bus routes or light rail. This situation has now changed again to give even more power to local government – they can now make changes to bus routes and light rail routes with some limitations, and the distance from traffic signals is reduced to 20m. This means community members can approach their council and get much faster approval to install pedestrian crossings and other changes without layers of unnecessary bureaucracy. This change came into effect in December 2023, just before the holiday period, so not all council officers or elected councillors will be aware of these latest changes – you may have to point them to the link above for clarification. This represents a significant shift towards more community-centric planning in NSW, allowing councils to tailor streetscapes to the unique needs of their residents and businesses. It doesn’t apply to state roads, traffic signals and roundabouts, as these still require sign-off through traffic committees. Better Streets' success in advocating for these changes demonstrates the power of community engagement and the importance of collaboration with all levels of government to create better practice. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when community leaders and government bodies come together for the common good. By bringing decision-making closer to home, we're not just paving the way for better streets – we're fostering stronger, more connected communities. Let's celebrate this achievement and continue to work hand in hand with our local governments to create the neighborhoods we and our children deserve to live in. For more details of the changes: link In New South Wales:
At the federal level:
In Victoria:
In communication efforts:
Looking forward, defined projects for 2024
We have enjoyed the ride so far and hope that you’ll jump on board for an exciting 2024 as we advocate together for better and better streets! Better Streets, along with over 450 organisations around the world have signed the open letter by the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH), calls on the UNFCCC, governments and negotiators of the COP28 climate conference to give more priorty and investment in walking and cycling to significantly accelerate progress on climate goal and improve people's lives.
Link to the letter here Registration link: link
Date and time Saturday 16th Dec 2023, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm AEDT Location Sydney Park brick kilns and chimneys 2 Princes Hwy, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia Get directions A big thank you. You helped us get a big step closer to having Better Streets just around the corner. 10.00am - Group bike ride meet Prince Alfred Park just outside Exit 6 Chalmers Street or Devonshire Street exit Central station (optional) 10.45am - Celebrate at Sydney Park Please join us to celebrate a great year with lunch, outdoor games, music and great company at Sydney Park from 10.45am. As a special treat we will be joined by incredible Sydney choir Voices from the Vacant Lot and all the way from the Northern Beaches daughter and dad team @DJ_Izzyrascal and @DJ_Ludacrisp. Please remember to bring a hat and a refillable water bottle. Getting there Group ride If you would like a ride to the park please meet at Prince Alfred Park turn right as you exit central station at Exit 6 Chamers or Devonshire Street exit at Central Station at 10am. A group will ride together along bike paths with a ride leader . Train Closest train station is St Peters a 5 minute walk. If you would like a longer walk and take in the sites of Green Square, it is a 25 minute walk from Green Square Station Vehicle There is also parking close. In a major step toward safer speed limits in Australia, Yarra Council in Victoria voted on 14 November 2023 (minutes) to support an increase to the area covered by the safe 30km/h speed limit, by around 200%. If it is supported by the Victorian Government the 30km/h speed limit zone will be expanded from the existing area in northern Fitzroy and Collingwood to cover the expanded area to the south (in blue). In making their decision the Council considered a safety study compiled using data from the Victorian Government's Road Crash Information System database. The safety study found that in the five years since the 30km/h speed limit zone was implemented, serious crashes in the area dropped by 70 per cent compared to the five years prior, while noting the added effect of COVID lockdowns. The report to Council can be accessed (here at item 7.2) and on ABC news here. However, two days later on 16 November, the Chief Commissioner of Victorian Police Shane Patton was on ABC Radio Melbourne saying he was not aware of any evidence that 30km/h speed limits would reduce road trauma. He said, “I think no one is going to obey it ... it’s ridiculous”. You can listen here around minute 15:30. His views are similar to those of many people in the community for whom driving is a central part of their identity and life, and driving fast is celebrated. It is problematic however that as police commissioner he is unaware of the large body of evidence that lower speeds reduce trauma, put forward very recently to a state parliamentary inquiry looking into reducing road deaths by the Victorian Government’s Road Safety Partnership (made up of the Transport Accident Commission and the Transport, Justice and Health Departments). More problematic is that the way he expressed himself might give people the impression that Victorian Police would not enforce the speed limit if it became law. The Safe Systems approach, that underpins most of Australian road safety, relies on consistent and comprehensive enforcement as a foundational element to shifting community views and behaviours to achieve lower injury and death rates. Fortunately, the Chief Commissioner has been publicly called out in Victoria’s newspaper of record. In an editorial in the Age (Nov 2023) Patrick Elligett described how far behind international best practice Australia is in relation to adopting safe 30 km/h speed zoning in urban areas. His column explains how 30km/h speed limits that initially seem problematic to a lot of people can quickly become normalised: ‘often, once unpopular decisions are implemented, it can be hard to believe there was ever resistance.’ That in the past Australia has been a leader in adopting new road safety measures but has not kept pace more recently. Examples that he cited may sound shocking to modern ears, like wearing seatbelts (in 1970 considered an affront to personal liberty!) or not driving while affected by alcohol or drugs (introduced in Victoria in 1976). It is a long road to get from where we are to safe streets for everyone. As a community we are all relying on the support of police and their leaders. This mini-drama highlights the importance of the relationships between ministers with responsibility for transport and police portfolios. When politicians talk to police leadership they must prioritise discussions about how enforcement efforts can be used to promote community safety, not perpetuate social attitudes where many people feel entitled to drive at dangerously high speeds that result in killing and wounding of other people. Read more about safer speeds here. Exciting news from Better Streets! We're thrilled to announce a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to promote active and safe travel for school children in New South Wales. After a series of strategic meetings with ministers, parliamentarians, and participating in pivotal workshops, we have successfully influenced the NSW Government to allocate $10 million towards Active Travel to Schools. This funding is part of the broader $60 million Get Active NSW annual grants program. A Step Towards Safer, Healthier School Commutes The funding earmarked for Active Travel to Schools is a game-changer. It opens doors for essential infrastructure developments around school areas. Councils across NSW can now apply for this funding to construct and improve footpaths, shared paths, pedestrian crossings, and potentially develop 'school streets' – zones prioritizing the safety and mobility of young students. The Role of Better Streets Our journey to this point has been one of persistent advocacy and collaboration. The Better Streets team, including our member organisations, have been at the forefront to engage in meaningful dialogues with key government stakeholders. Our goal is clear: to ensure that the safety and well-being of our children are at the heart of urban planning and development, especially in school zones. We recommend that 75% of school children should be enabled to walk, ride, scoot or catch public transport to school. The Future of Active Travel This funding is not just about infrastructure; it's about fostering a culture of active travel among the younger generation. Encouraging walking, cycling, and other forms of active commuting to school has far-reaching benefits, from reducing traffic congestion to promoting physical health and environmental awareness among students. Call to Action for Councils, Parents, and Teachers The first round of funding applications is due by mid-December. We strongly encourage councils to take advantage of this opportunity. But the engagement doesn’t stop there. We also call on parents, teachers, and school communities to think creatively about how this funding can best be used to enhance access and safety around their schools. Looking Ahead While this is a significant milestone, it's just the beginning. We anticipate additional opportunities for funding in the future, aiming to expand the reach and impact of the Get Active NSW program. Better Streets remains committed to advocating for safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities. Together, let's transform the way our children travel to school, making each step, pedal, or stride a part of a larger movement towards a better, more active future. An alarming spike in deaths across Australia is underway and no one is talking about it. In the 12 months to August 2023 there were 27% more pedestrians killed and 37% more bike riders killed in cities and towns across Australia. That includes 15 children who will never reach adulthood. NSW roads were our number one killer, with 65% more pedestrians killed in the last 12 months to August. In South Australia there were 50% more. Across all road users, deaths have increased by 8.4% in the last 12 months, with NSW up by 25% while South Australia and Western Australia are up by 22% and 16% respectively. This is a national tragedy that needs immediate action. The arms race for bigger, more dangerous vehicles "Driving is probably the most dangerous thing we will ever do, and as a normal citizen, it is the most likely way that you will kill another citizen,” says Adam Tranter, walking and cycling commissioner for West Midlands in the UK. "Cars are getting bigger, more comfortable, more protected. The more we lose sight of the fact that cars are very effective weapons when used incorrectly, we lull ourselves into a false sense of security," he said in The Guardian last month. The surge in road deaths in Australia can be attributed to increased vehicle sizes, speeding and driver distraction. SUVs and utes have worse sightlines so it's harder for drivers to see people (some are worse than a tank), it takes longer to brake (due to weight) and the bonnet is much higher (hitting a person's skull and internal organs rather than hip or leg which increases the likelihood of death). Bullbars can make this even worse. This is evident when we compare pedestrian deaths in the USA, where the number of pedestrians killed each year in traffic rose 83% between 2009 to 2022, an average increase of around 6% a year. Vehicle sizes have also increased significantly over that period. By comparison, the European Commission has a target for ‘vision zero’ with no road deaths by 2050. It’s considering banning inexperienced drivers from operating SUVs and ensuring that all driver training includes safe behaviour around people walking and cycling. It’s also difficult and expensive to purchase and run an SUV in many European countries, whereas in Australia we often heavily subsidise them thanks to a generous $67,000 tax write-off for businesses (a subsidy that only recently dropped from $150,000). Meanwhile, Standards Australia is contemplating increasing car parking spaces by 20cm in length to accommodate these larger vehicles. Photo by Better Streets volunteer Toby Thumpston at his local shopping centre The current car parking standards were established in 1993 when a new Ford Falcon measured 4.92 metres long. Today, the most popular car is the Toyota HiLux dual cab ute at 5.27 metres long – giving it less than 15cm of breathing space in average parking spots. Two-thirds of new vehicle sales in Australia last year were SUVs, 4WDs or light commercial vehicles, which include utes. Image from The Guardian
This arms race for bigger vehicles is leading to a catastrophic increase in deaths and horrific injuries. "Loosening your belt isn't the best way to resolve weight gain. We need to tackle this spike in deaths head on," says Sara Stace, President of Better Streets. “We need to stop sanitising terms such as 'Killed and Seriously Injured' which the industry simplifies to KSI," says Sara. "It downplays the devastation that people experience when their child is killed or they have to live the rest of their lives with a crippling disability. We're immunised to the 1,250 people killed on our roads every year.” But aren’t new and electric vehicles safer and cleaner? A counter argument we often hear about these big new vehicles is that they have lots of safety gear, like sensors and automated braking. However if these were truly working we’d see fatalities decreasing and clearly we’re not. Vehicle safety gear is mostly for protecting the occupants rather than people outside the vehicle, and does not ameliorate the inherent danger of military-sized trucks driving on our local streets. In addition to the fatal consequences to humans, pets and wildlife, there’s also enormous climate and biosphere impacts. The embodied emissions and other materials in two- to three-ton vehicles causes vastly more wear and tear on the roads than regular vehicles. Even electrifying them won’t solve the problem of decarbonising and reducing resource consumption. McKinsey says an EV has roughly double the production footprint of a typical internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Stephen Hodge from We Ride Australia points out that “a single Tesla 3 battery is equivalent to around 147 e-bike batteries, resources that could be used to help get people mobile much more economically and save valuable resources at the same time.” And these massive batteries make them heavier and more dangerous. “EVs reinforce the car-dependent behaviour and approach to city-making that created the problem in the first place,” says Dr Catherine Knight, from Massey University in Aotearoa New Zealand. What does Better Streets recommend? Better Streets recommends three broad solutions to improve safety for people walking and cycling and get us closer to achieving Vision Zero:
The role of governments Governments in Australia have proven themselves willing to take radical action to save human lives and support public health and safety. Most notably in relation to world-leading anti-tobacco campaigns and rules (we were the first to ban smoking on flights), gun control, seat belt safety, and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The case of enormously dangerous cars and speeding on our roads should be no different. Governments need to urgently address the true causes for the rapidly escalating road deaths as a public health and safety emergency - and act immediately to protect lives. Our recommendations for all three levels of government are outlined below. At a national level:
For local governments:
Reference: vox.com |
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