Councillors adopted the Travelsmart Bendigo City Centre Travel Plan at the council meeting on Wednesday night and Mayor Rod Campbell said it aimed to reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips to the CBD, and to promote the city centre as an active place to work, shop, live and visit. “The plan encourages people to use other means such as walking, cycling or by using public transport to travel to and from the Bendigo CBD,” he said.

“The way we hope to achieve this is by implementing a number of key initiatives over the next three years to encourage people to think about the way they move about our city.

“This is an important plan that has been developed following extensive community consultation. “In fact, data from over 4000 surveys of various types and focus groups was analysed and used in its development to ensure a wide-ranging number of view

points.

“The successful implementation of the plan should lead to significant and wide-ranging community benefits such as increased health and well-being, vibrant city streets, less traffic congestion and significant environmental benefits.”

Key actions of the plan include the establishment of a TravelSmart Bendigo bulletin to promote sustainable transport, “Try the Bus” promotions in conjunction with Department of Transport, the promotion of Ride to Work Day and Walktober and development of a travel plan kit for new businesses and residents.

The Bendigo City Centre Travel Plan is a partnership between the State Government’s Department of Transport and the City of Greater Bendigo that can be inspected online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au or at the council’s Lyttleton Terrace office.