Wagga Wagga City Council is keen to hear from residents about their thoughts on all things bike riding.
The council, along with partners at Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), and The University of Sydney, have created a short 10-minute 'Cycling Survey' to help them better understand local attitudes and behaviours around bike riding.
This will help inform the councils Active Travel Plan, that is currently focused on building 56 kilometres of dedicated cycle paths around the city to provide viable alternative transport options for commuting.
Active projects include:
Kapooka Link - from Red Hill Road along Mima Street (south of the rail corridor) to Fernleigh Road finishing at Pinaroo Drive. Work commencing Monday 22 February between 7am and 6pm.
University Link - from Harris Road in Gobbagombalin through Estella to Boorooma Street. Work commencing Monday 15 February and be carried out between 7am and 6pm.
Strategic Asset Planner (Parks and Recreation) Ben Creighton is hoping that results from the survey will help the council gain an understanding of the current use and future demand for cycling infrastructure.
“While the idea of cycling, especially to work, may be a new concept for many of us, with the current construction of the Active Travel paths around the city there is an increased opportunity for more people to use cycling both as a form of transport and on a recreational basis.
“We’ll use the survey results to ensure we’re working towards meeting community expectations for future infrastructure.”
And this is important for Wagga.
According to Murrumbidgee Local Health District, only 40 per cent of adults living in Wagga Wagga achieve the desired 30 minutes of daily activity.
Health Promotion Coordinator Brendan Pearson said: “We would be delighted to see more residents walking and cycling in their everyday activities, which will help people feel fitter, healthier and happier.
“Cycling and walking on the existing and the proposed cycling and walking paths is great for health and wellbeing, and aids in the prevention and management of a range of health conditions.”
All residents – riders and non-riders – are encouraged to take 10 minutes to share your honest and anonymous feedback. Everyone's opinion and experience is important to helping plan the future.
The survey is now open, closing 5pm, 26 March 2021.
Survey results will be analysed by The University of Sydney.
TAKE THE SURVEYImage credit: City of Wagga Wagga