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A fresh, green wind is blowing through Warringah Council, which recently voted to adopt a ‘sustainable transport strategy’. Part of this strategy involves allocating 10 per cent of the council’s road budget to the construction or upgrading of bike paths. Cr Christina Kirsch, the instigator of both motions, is delighted, “this is a wonderful step forward towards creating the infrastructure we will need under a low-emission, post-carbon economy”, she explained.“Federal and state governments are too hampered by industry lobby groups to implement the policies or strategies required to deal with climate change and peak oil. At the local level, however, Warringah Council is planning for the future by providing infrastructure to promote sustainable, low-emission communities.”Cllr Kirsch emphasised the importance of cycling as a central component of a viable sustainable community.“We have an integrated road network in our council area, yet what little cycling infrastructure exists is fragmented, incomplete and poorly maintained. In some places it is outright dangerous. Cyclists, who are trying to do the right thing, risk their lives if they dare to compete for space with trucks, cars and buses on our congested roads,” said Cllr Kirsch.“Warringah’s infrastructure is already at breaking point, but the government’s metropolitan strategy is forcing us to accept population increases. The economic and environmentally sound solution is to reduce the amount of private motor vehicle travel by providing better public and active transport options. For commuting to work and for local trips, cycling is a sensible choice, already embraced by many residents. Warringah Council has taken the first step to support these residents and to ensure that active, healthy transport is an available and attractive option to many more in the future.”“Active transport not only reduces carbon emissions and our ecological footprint, it is a great way to reduce the bulging waists of the many Australians who are grappling with increasing obesity. A recent study found a link between active transport use and reduced obesity in 17 industrialised countries across Europe, North America and Australia. Countries with the highest levels of active transport generally had the lowest obesity rates. Unfortunately, Australia is in the ‘low active transport’ bracket, despite having one of the best year-round climates for outdoor activity. It is the availability of suitable infrastructure, such as multiple, integrated and safe networks of bike paths, that encourages the lifestyle choices needed for a healthier and leaner community. Warringah has chosen to follow that path and pave a way to a more sustainable future”, said Cllr Kirsch.
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