New Redlands Coast reference group to support active travel.

Redland City Council has cemented its commitment to active transport by establishing a new reference group to advise on and advocate for all modes of active travel across the Redlands Coast.

The new advisory group of up to 15 members will focus on all modes of active travel, continuing Council’s recent investment in active transport infrastructure and innovation.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new group would expand on the Redlands Bicycle Advisory Committee first formed in 2000.

“The Redlands Coast has a great cycling culture with hundreds of kilometres of on-road and off-road tracks and pathways.

“While recreational cycling continues to grow in popularity across the Redlands, it is equally important to focus on other forms of active travel for both recreation and everyday journeys.

“The rising popularity of scooters is an example of an active travel mode being used in many urban areas for both recreation and journeys to work.

“Having attractive, safe and accessible pathways and routes as alternatives to motor cars can contribute to both a healthier community and help to reduce road and parking congestion.”

The new reference group will be Chaired by Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, with Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop to be Deputy Chair.

“The new reference group will help Council form strategic partnerships with community and transport groups and advocate for more active travel opportunities or projects of benefit to the Redlands Coast,” Cr Mitchell said.

“This group is as much about finding new active transport modes as it is perfecting those we already enjoy and as an advocate for modes like e-transport.

“I am excited by the potential for this group, including the opportunity to consider pedestrian access and safety within our villages and centres and all ages mobility issues encompassing personal mobility devices.”

Cr Bishop said the reference group continued the momentum created by the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy.

“Council’s decision to establish and widen the reference group scope is a clear call to action for those in the community with a passion for more active travel, especially in the post-COVID environment,” Cr Bishop said.

“Membership of the new group will be by both direct invitation and advertised expressions of interest. We hope to complete this process by the new year.

“In the meantime, I would encourage those with an interest to keep an eye out for the opportunity on Council’s Yoursay page or to contact council if they would like to learn more about the active travel group.