Hi ,

As we were preparing to hit 'send' on this newsletter, you may have heard that the federal government announced a $100 million Active Transport Fund. Better Streets welcomes this announcement as one that will help the nation meet its carbon emission reduction targets,  and contribute to a reduction in the personal and social costs associated with sedentary lifestyles, mental health issues and road trauma. The Better Streets Press Release is available to read and download here.

The cooler weather seems to have  induced a surge in active transport-related activity, as this month's newsletter is packed with energising, thoughtful, interesting and useful news from across the country.

It's all happening! We're excited!

MUST WATCH

The legendary YouTube channel Not Just Bikes has just released a very thorough 'explainer' video 'What is the "Correct" Speed?' -  about the rationale and benefits of 30km/hr speed limits in cities (comes with a bonus reading list!).

NATIONAL

PRESS RELEASE - Australian government to fund $100 million national Active Transport Fund

Better Streets calls upon each state and territory government to match the federal government’s announcement, dollar for dollar, and to provide stable, continual investment in active transport, which is core to building better streets that are safe, healthy, and accessible and enjoyable for all.

Read more here. 

READ - National Road Safety Week - How are other countries achieving Vision Zero?

The national road death toll is rising in Australia, while in other countries are trending to their Vision zero targets. Dr "Tepi" Mclaughlin and Chris De Gruyter write in the Conversation how these countries are achieving this through road space reallocation, safer speed limits and funding. Read more here.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FUNDING - $5 million for Streets Alive program

Funding for capacity building and support for eligible community organisations and local governments for projects designed to calm traffic on local roads in urban areas across Western Australia. Read more here.

NEW SOUTH WALES

READ - How is the Road User Space Allocation policy being implemented in NSW?

Did you know Transport for NSW (TfNSW) released a Road User Space Policy in January 2021, along with a Road User Hierarchy that prioritises people walking and riding a bicycle? Probably not, because it hasn’t been implemented well. And did you know that TfNSW also recently released a report with recommendations following an Implementation Review of this same policy? Read more here.

EVENT - Pedalling Forward: The Future of School Commutes in a Climate Conscious World

On Wednesday 15 May, Better Streets President Sara Stace, the co-founder of Bike Party, Anthony Joseph and the City of Sydney's Manager of Cycling Strategy, Fiona Campbell, will be featured guests at this panel discussion and community conversation, to be held at the Abraham Mott Hall in Millers Point. A particularly relevant event for those involved with P&Cs, climate activists, businesses and decision-makers!

Cost: free. Book here. 

CONSULTATION - Inner West Council

• A Community Safety Action Plan is currently open for comment (until Monday 1 July, with several in-person feedback sessions) - a great opportunity to highlight road and public space safety as a key priority.
• A draft Local Area Traffic Management Plan for Newtown South traffic is now open for comment (until Sunday 2 June), with some good traffic calming measures being proposed.

READ - Whose interests are served by pedestrian bridges?

WestConnex is building a pedestrian bridge over the CityWest Link and removing all active travel surface access from Haberfield to Timbrell Park “for safety reasons”.  But is there a higher priority and will the bridge encourage or discourage active travel? Read more on our blog here.

VICTORIA

READ - Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact of road safety behaviour on vulnerable users  

The report of 278 pages is full of useful facts and figures, and is a useful reference for those interested in promoting sustainable transport. The inquiry made 61 findings, and 56 recommendations. Read the summary of the findings and recommendations on the Climate Action Merri-bek website here.

Weekly get together

For those based in Sydney an in-person weekly get together to say hi, exchange ideas, keep track of our activities and keep motivating each other.

Wednesday - 6pm - The Strawberry Hills Hotel, 453 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills (near Central, map) upstairs (Accessible entry available.)

Thank you for your unwavering support as we continue to create better streets for all!