Released 24/07/2016
Keeping Canberra moving through the best active travel opportunities for our city was the theme of a roundtable discussion between Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris and visiting Dutch transport expert Professor Serge Hoogendoorn this morning.
“The Netherlands is world-renowned for its excellent pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and Professor Hoogendoorn is a leading figure in active transport and planning,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Professor Hoogendoorn’s visit offers a valuable opportunity for the ACT Government to seek expert international opinion on the opportunities and challenges regarding active travel that Canberra faces in the future.
“The insight shared during this roundtable discussion will assist the ACT to achieve our target of 7 per cent of residents walking and 7 per cent cycling by 2026, and for Canberra to become Australia’s cycling capital and most walkable city.
“Active travel offers many health, economic and environment benefits. The ACT Government has committed $3.6 million from the 2016-17 Budget to support active travel, including $1 million to expand the Active Streets for Schools program.
“Physical activity, such as walking and cycling to get from the places we live, work, learn, visit and play, includes some of the most efficient and effective ways to incorporate regular exercise into our daily lives. This reduces many long-term health risks and contributes to our mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“Through a number of significant community consultations, Canberrans have told the Government they want to live in communities where walking and cycling is an easy, safe and convenient choice. We are committed to supporting these choices.”
Following the roundtable, Professor Hoogendoorn took part in a cycle tour of Northbourne Avenue and a working group discussion on active travel. These events were attended by representatives from the Cycling Promotion Fund, the ACT Government and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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