WALK AND RIDE TO BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY
It was not a coincidence that the MTF August meeting heard two presentations on active transport. Not only is it one of our top three ABC issues, it’s also very COVID current.
MTF meeting 5 August 2020
Key note speakers:
Melisa Backhouse, Vic Health;
Ben Rossiter, Victoria Walks
Both presentations highlighted the ‘opportunities’ that COVID changes present for local government. The data shows that people are walking and cycling more, creating opportunities to support and encourage this in the future.
But also, walking and cycling could be a powerful support for the local economy. Could a ‘walk to local’ message simultaneously help maintain active transport and support hard hit local businesses in your LGA?
Walk local, cycle local, buy local …..
The presentations
Melisa Backhouse from Vic Health looked at cycling and walking projects that’s Councils can get involved with. They are working closely with MAV, especially Geoff Oultan to reenergise walking and cycling, especially to school and other short trips.
View PowerPoint
Ben Rossiter from Victoria Walks presented on what he called the ‘invisible transport mode’ – walking. Most interesting was the increase in recreational walking during the COVID restrictions and data on the economic benefits of increased walking.
Dropbox link to Victoria Walks presentation by Ben Rossiter
RECENT POSTS
All FORUM VIDEOS
Eight MTF Transport Forums were held across Melbourne in July - October 2022
Pop-up progress
Four members of the DoT Active Transport Team discuss the learnings from the recent pop-up cycle lanes in Melbourne and suburbs.
Cycling & Federal election forum
Watch a recording of the forum with MPs and candidates from all the major parties discussing cycling.
Cycling & the federal election
An online forum about Cycling and the Federal election. Hear from all major parties to discover which party loves cycling as much as you do!
Victoria Walks: Understanding Pedestrian Crashes
Victoria Walks’ Duane Burtt presented the latest results of research into pedestrian crashes to the MTF November meeting.
New walking ambassador Cr Jodi Jackson
Talk the walk and walk the talk with our new walking ambassador
Study finds massive interest in cycling
July's meeting featured two fascinating presentations on cycling in the city, including new research that shows more interest in bike riding than previously documented.
