Bendigo welcomes leading expert on sustainable transport options

 

The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to welcome Dr Rodney Tolley, a leading expert on the benefits of sustainable transport options and urban design.

Dr Tolley has previously worked with the City on a number of walking and cycling projects and has returned to Australia to meet with various organisations to promote the benefits of walking, cycling and good public transport options.

Strategy Manager Trevor Budge said Dr Tolley’s world-renowned expertise will be put to good use during his visit to Bendigo.

“The City is in the midst of developing our revised Residential Development Strategy and the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy. We look forward to discussing these important blueprints for the City’s future with Rodney and getting his views on improving Greater Bendigo’s urban environment,” Mr Budge said.

“Rodney recognises the benefits of making our streets more walking and cycling friendly, which in turn encourages people, where possible, to leave their car at home when wanting to get to their daily destinations.”

Dr Tolley has taught at England’s Staffordshire University for more than 30 years and has written and edited a number of books, most notably The Greening of Urban Transport: Planning for Walking and Cycling in Western Cities. He is also a Director of Walk21, a global partnership of walking experts, and is a founding member of the Steering Group for Walk21.

While in Bendigo, Dr Tolley will meet with City staff and Councillors, present to Urban Planning Students at La Trobe University and attend a business breakfast to discuss the topic ‘Walking is good for business’.

Dr Tolley said designing infrastructure that allows people to walk and cycle to daily destinations can boost a city’s economy and improve the health outcomes of its residents and visitors.

“Take children riding or walking to school as an example. A Norwegian study has shown, on average, a child’s concentration levels are much higher and remain that way until around lunch time when they have walked or cycled to school rather than being driven in a car,” he said.

“It’s a win for teachers, as they have a student who wants to and is ready to learn and the physical benefits are obvious. Everyone talks about kids not getting enough physical activity but by walking, cycling or scooting to school, a child’s physical activity has already been accounted for while getting from A to B.

“Also, good walking and cycling paths and regular public transport to shops, employment or between neighbourhoods will help boost house prices, improve business outcomes and enhance a town or city’s overall liveability.”

For more information visit City of Greater Bendigo