A School Active Transport Infrastructure Pilot (SATIP) is being rolled out at Caloundra State School and Caloundra State High School in a bid to get more students walking and riding to school.
The initiative aims to address a decline in active school transport by identifying safe and connected infrastructure solutions, and will be led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) along with the Department of Education and Sunshine Coast Council.
The 12-month SATIP will assess the physical environment within a 2km radius of the school boundary, as well as behaviours and attitudes toward riding bikes and walking to school.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli said having better active transport facilities around schools also benefited the whole region.
“As the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions where most residents depend on cars, Council is committed to reducing traffic congestion to improve our quality of life and enhance our environment,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Even our youngest residents can make an impact.”
Following the pilot, TMR has allocated $3 million to deliver behaviour change initiatives and infrastructure solutions such as path upgrades, new pedestrian crossings and bike storage facilities identified to help provide children and families greater choice in how they travel.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg said the number of Queensland children riding bikes and walking to school had declined over the last decade under Labor.
“We know traffic congestion during peak drop-off and pick-up times is a big frustration, so anything we can do to improve safety and efficiency on our roads must be implemented,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“This pilot will determine how safe and direct active transport infrastructure can be rolled out around schools, so that walking and bike riding is more appealing to parents and children.
“I look forward to working with the Department of Education, Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra State School, and Caloundra State High School to help provide families more and safer options for how they travel in their local community.”
Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek said the Government was committed to doing what matters for Queenslanders.
“This pilot is a great opportunity to support students to be physically active, supporting students’ ability to learn, and establishing healthy habits,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Schools have an important role in supporting students to walk and ride safely to and from school.”
Caloundra State High School Principal, Natasha Wicks said she was pleased the school was selected for the pilot.
“We are excited to be part of this innovative initiative to identify the right infrastructure and programs that will encourage our students to choose to walk or ride to school, embed healthy and sustainable travel habits as part of their everyday routine, and simultaneously increase student safety.”
For further information about the pilot, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/cycling/infrastructure-projects.
