RURAL CITY OF WANGARATTA RURAL CITY OF WANGARATTA WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY 2020 to 2030 WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY 2020 to 2030 1 Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation, the Rural City of Wangaratta acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. About this document This document is a Walking and Cycling Strategy for the Rural City of Wangaratta. It has been developed by the Rural City of Wangaratta. Elements of the document and parts of the community engagement were undertaken by consultancy firm @Leisure. The Rural City of Wangaratta acknowledges the work they have completed for this strategy. Maps Maps contained within this strategy contain Vicmap information ©The State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 2019, reproduced by permission of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Using or copying parts of the maps is prohibited without Council’s written Authority. Disclaimer While every endeavour has been made to provide accurate information in this document, the Rural City of Wangaratta cannot guarantee that all information is true and correct at time of publication and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or consequences which may arise from your reliance on any information contained in this material. 2 Contents Executive Summary Page 4 Introduction Page 5 Strategic Context Page 9 Walkers and Cyclists Page 11 Safety Page 12 Strategic Directions Page 14 A Connected City Page 15 Safe and Linked Rural Communities Page 17 1 A Safe and Connected Pedestrian Network Page 19 2 An Easy and Accessible Off-Road Cycling Network Page 23 3 A Safe and Convenient Cycling Lane Network Page 34 4 Fit-for-purpose Recreational Walking and Cycling Opportunities Page 38 5 A User Experience Approach to Developments Page 43 6 Effective Planning and Promotion Page 47 Project Selection and Implementation Page 51 Monitoring, Review and Evaluation Page 53 3 Executive Summary Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategy is a Strategic Directions significant strategic document that will guide the way Council delivers infrastructure that 1. A safe and connected pedestrian network supports the ability of people within our 2. An easy and accessible off-road cycling community to be active, to safely move around, network and to stay connected. The strategy is a 10- year plan that aims to increase the number of 3. A safe and convenient cycling lane network walking and cycling journeys made by people of all ages and abilities. 4. Fit-for-purpose recreational walking and cycling opportunities We have an extensive network of tracks, trails and paths that already exist within the 5. A user experience approach to municipality – many of which are regularly used developments by people to make daily trips, by tourists to 6. Effective planning and promotion explore our region, and by locals to move throughout their neighbourhoods. This strategy focuses on leveraging the more than 240km of paths that already connect many destinations throughout Wangaratta, and developing key connections and extensions that enhance the way people move around, and throughout our communities. Balancing a positive walking and cycling culture alongside the real need for vehicles is a challenge for many Councils and communities. To support the growth of people making trips by bike and on foot, this strategy focuses not just on infrastructure projects, but on supporting a community that is aware, encouraging and protective of people who choose to travel as a pedestrian or cyclist. We aim to make it the preferred mode of transport for more people, in more corners of our municipality. The strategy is divided into two focus areas: • A Connected City; and • Safe and Linked Rural Communities. Within these focus areas there are 6 strategic directions that include 132 actions. 4 Introduction Wangaratta has an extensive network of • To deliver strategies for promotion, pathways and trails which connect many education, advocacy and support of walking destinations within the municipality, particularly and cycling within the urban area. The network includes • To identify and provide strategic direction for over 240km of footpaths and shared trails with an estimated replacement value of $22.5m1. the Wangaratta bicycle and pedestrian The Wangaratta community also has a network longstanding cycling culture. Amongst regional The above objectives will not be addressed by cities in Victoria, Wangaratta rates second Council in isolation. The Rural City of highest for owning a working bicycle and equal 2 Wangaratta relies on strong partnerships with a highest for riding at least once per week. range of stakeholders, locally and at state and However, in recent times the culture of cycling federal level, to ensure the actions in this has been challenged by a vehicle-centric strategy can be achieved. mindset and an increased perception of the level of risk of cycling on-road. The Rural City These partnerships will be key to overcome of Wangaratta has developed bicycle path some the constraints to deliver the project strategies in 1991 and 1999, however a which include Council having a limited budget, number of actions remain incomplete. These the lack of consistent grant funding available, projects have been reviewed to determine their regulatory constraints and land ownership current status and if warranted have been challenges. included within this strategy. Development Purpose The strategy has analysed a range of The Walking and Cycling Strategy is a information sources and influences before municipal wide strategy to guide the planning, identifying priority projects to be delivered development, management and promotion of across the municipality. In this strategy, cyclists walking and cycling pathways and trails. and walkers include anyone riding a bicycle or Council is committed to creating a more walking for recreation, transport or tourism and connected municipality with a better transport includes those using mobility aids. system, where residents, visitors and workers have a reduced need to travel by car. Council The action plans in this strategy have been endeavours to make walking and cycling the influenced by a number of inputs including: easiest and most enjoyable way for the • Existing Council plans and strategies community to move around the municipality. • Community feedback The objectives of the strategy are: • Purpose of the strategy • To encourage more people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to walk and ride • Available evidence • To enhance the tourism products on offer in Wangaratta • To evaluate the existing walking and cycling network for connectivity, safety, comfort and amenity • To coordinate planning and delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure 1 Roads Asset Management Plan 2019 (RCOW) 5 2 RACV Regional Transport Needs Survey (2013) Community Engagement Better still, walking or riding for transport provides incidental physical and mental health This strategy has been informed by an benefits. extensive community engagement process to determine community sentiment towards Mental Health and Social Benefits walking and cycling and to identify issues, challenges and opportunities to be considered. Walking and cycling also contributes positively towards social connections between people. This A range of engagement tools were used to increase in social interaction within the ascertain viewpoints from both key community results in much improved personal stakeholders who are either interested or relationships and overall community health, influencers in the walking and cycling space contributing to improved mental wellbeing by and also from the community who may simply reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and be users of the walking and cycling network. depression. Over 300 submissions were received through a Economic Benefits mix of online surveys, interactive mapping and written submissions whilst another 60 engaged The savings to the federal health budget from regular recreational cycling is estimated at through information sessions, workshops and 3 telephone contact. $82.9m per year. As a visitor attractor, cycling is a key opportunity for Wangaratta. Recreational cyclists are a high Literature Review yield, high spending market and the estimated total expenditure of cycle tourists in Australia was This strategy has been informed by a range of approximately $2.4 billion in 2010, which is Council and industry documents to ensure that growing according to state government the directions and actions within the strategy research. The cycling economy stretches a are consistent with laws, regulations, standards substantial industry, including importing, retailing and best practice within the industry. This and servicing bicycles and related products. includes a review of other documents produced locally relating to walking and cycling. Environmental Benefits More walking and cycling as a means of transport will assist in less car travel which in turn Benefits of Walking and Cycling will address Council’s emission reduction targets as highlighted in the Environmental Sustainability Physical Health Benefits Strategy. Relying less on cars and more on walking and cycling will mean a more sustainable Australia is amongst the most obese nations in response to climate change and healthier air for the world. 60.9% of the Wangaratta population our community to breathe. Encouraging more are either obese or pre-obese which is more people