Walking, cycling and skating - Introduction

In this section:

• Walks and tours - includes walking and jogging tracks, self-guided walks, walking school bus
• Cycling - includes bike tracks, road cycling code of conduct, and road rules
• Skating - includes laws and penalties, Riverslide Skatepark, and skaters' views

As Melbourne continues to grow, the focus will grow on increasing the use of sustainable forms of transport – walking, cycling and public transport.

The ideal transport network will sustain our economic prosperity, our quality of life, and have minimal impact on the environment.

Public transport, bicycles and walking are becoming more popular modes of transport, with Australian Bureau of Statistics Journey to Work data (2001) showing a 7 per cent decline in car dependency.

Between 1997 and 2003, the number of cyclists has also generally increased on inner-city roads, especially on those in and out of the CBD, where the number has doubled.

In its Transport Program 2003 -2006, the City of Melbourne sets a number of objectives to encourage walking and cycling including efficient links and safe interchanges with public transport; developing a signage system which provides route and destination information to pedestrians and encourages walking throughout the city and enhancing the network of on-road and off-road bike lanes to improve connectivity and safety.

Walk21 conference

In October 2006, Melbourne will host the Walk21 international conference on walking and liveable communities. Recognising the fundamental importance of walking to sustainable transport, urban design, health and community development, the City of Melbourne is sponsoring the conference and helping organise it. To find out more visit the Walk 21Conference website.