Changing gears

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact across the world. But it has also presented opportunities to explore radical changes to behaviours and habits, which can have long-term positive effects. Proactive planning and decision making are needed to make active transport safe, efficient and convenient options for people commuting to work and school.

There are a variety of solutions available across the abovementioned categories of ‘infrastructure’, ‘human behaviour’ and ‘organisational’. The solutions could be trialled on a temporary, and scalable basis, depending on measured success. More permanent options usually require more planning time and funding.

The most appropriate combination of options will differ according to the characteristics, priorities and resources of each individual city.

References

[1] Bicycle Network, 11 May 2020, 'Opinion: Build a path out of the crisis'.

[2] Bicycle Network, 06 April 2020, 'Australians keen to ride out coronavirus'.

[3] Department of Global Communications, 22 May 2020, 'UN eyes bicycles as driver of post-COVID-19 ‘green recovery’', United Nations.

[4] Mark Sutton, 26 October 2017, 'Netherlands further builds on cycling’s modal share, hitting 51% in Utrecht', Cycling Industry News.

[5] City of Melbourne, 'Transport Strategy 2030'.

[6] Daly, J., Dovery, K. and Stevens, Q., 05 May 2020, 'We can’t let coronavirus kill our cities. Here’s how we can save urban life', The Conversation.

[7] Shannon Molloy, 10 April 2019, 'How Australian households can save $1500 a month – ditch the car and get on a bike', News.com.au.

[8] City of Sydney, 13 April 2022, 'Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2023'.

[9] Lucy Stone, 26 May 2020, 'Joint state and council committee to tackle 'missing links' in active transport', Brisbane Times.

[10] Kate Connolly, 18 May 2020, ''Cleaner and greener': Covid-19 prompts world's cities to free public space of cars', The Guardian.

[11] Roger Harrabin, 07 May 2020, 'Coronavirus: Boom time for bikes as virus changes lifestyles', BBC News.

Contributing authors & reviewer: Alex van Gent, Bright Pryde, Mark La Galia and Iris Brkic.

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