Western Brisbane
Transport Network Investigation
Fact sheet
The Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation is a strategic study focussed on the
investigation of regionally significant transport links and travel patterns across western Brisbane.
The role of active transport
What is active transport?
Active transport is any form of transport
that involves some kind of physical
activity – such as cycling and walking.
Increasing active transport decreases
the reliance on other forms of
transport and assists in overall
network sustainability.
Active transport
currently makes up
11 per cent of travel on the
western Brisbane network.
A target is to increase this to
17 per cent by 2026.
Why is active transport important to this investigation?
Active transport is important to this investigation in the following key ways:
Decreasing the number of trips made by private vehicles: A substantial
increase in walking and cycling will reduce the number of private vehicle trips
and congestion - which defers the need for major upgrades.
Integration with other ways to travel: It is imperative that the investigation
team looks at ways to integrate walking and cycling with public transport
facilities. This includes, for example, providing adequate linkages so that
people can walk to bus stops or interchanges, park their bicycles at railway
stations before catching the train, or store their bikes at their end destination.
Facilities such as these will encourage the use of public transport and reduce
reliance on the road network.
Integration with land use planning trends: Walking and cycling are also a key
part of some of the changes currently occurring in the way land is used in
some areas of south east Queensland. These areas are designated as Transit
Oriented Developments (TODs) and are defined as higher density areas, with
a mix of residential and commercial space, surrounding a train or bus station.
Transit Oriented Developments aim to facilitate the use of public transport and
to promote sustainable development. Transit Oriented Developments promote
people being able to walk and cycle as a principal way of travelling, rather
than as a secondary choice over other modes such as the car.
Benefits of active transport
Saving time
Walking and cycling can reduce journey travel times compared with
drivers who are stuck in traffic jams.
Land use efficiency
When walking and cycling become significant modes of transport,
less land is needed for private vehicle infrastructure, such as roads
and car parks.
Environmental benefits
Walking and cycling are pollution free, use no fossil fuels and are
energy-efficient modes of transport.
Active Transport:
Active transport is any form of
transport that involves some
kind of physical activity – such
as cycling and walking.
TravelSmart, a brand used by
a number of Australian state
governments for active transport
programmes, encourages the
use of environmentally-friendly
transport such as public
transport, cycling, walking and
car pooling.
There are fewer residential parking problems.
It supports voluntary change
in the behaviour of individuals
and organisations by raising
awareness through campaigns,
and improving access to
information and opportunities
to use environmentally-friendly
transport.
There are savings on the health care costs associated with physical
inactivity.
For more information, please go
to www.travelsmart.gov.au
They help to combat congestion and traffic pollution by reducing car
dependency.
Economic benefits for the community
It reduces costs associated with roads, parking facilities, traffic
congestion, vehicular crashes and environmental damage.
Cost savings for individuals
Walking and cycling need not be expensive. The cost of walking can
be as little as a good pair of walking shoes and 30% of Brisbane’s
adults already own a bicycle.
There is less money spent on travel, car parking and fuel.
Surveillance
Pedestrian and cyclist activity improves surveillance of public spaces.
Health Benefits
The National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults (1999)
recommends at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical
activity a day. Walking and cycling can help to achieve this.
To find out more visit our
website www.wbtni.net.au
or to have your say on
the investigation, please
contact the team:
1800 636 896
[email protected]
January 2008