Cycling as a means of transport in Noosa is fun. We have some wonderful bike lanes. Unfortunately there are big gaps, dangerous roads and missing links. Noosa residents are being invited to collaborate on a grassroots project to help make cycling the number one choice of transport for Noosa residents.
In a collaboration between Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN), Open Noosa, Ecotekk and Grassroots Marketing, the participatory mapping experiment aims to highlight trouble spots along Noosa’s existing cycling pathways.
The group’s vision is for Noosa to be an active transport community, providing smooth, efficient, enjoyable and safe cycling for residents and visitors.
Open Noosa Editor, Bettina Walter, started the Cycling Bubble Map by building on learnings from the Glossy Team Sunrise Mapping experiment where residents posted photos of Glossy Black Cockatoo food trees to lobby for their protection from an imminent development.
“If we can measure and map the current cycling experience, we can evaluate the results and create a sound and workable strategic plan. We can then advocate for this to be implemented by local and state governments,” Ms Walter said.
At an initial stakeholder briefing held to find the best way to collaborate on the project, a Bicycle Queensland representative providing insights from other similar programs.
Byron Bay Council recently embarked on an extensive ten-year bike access and mobility plan, Walk-Roll-Ride, where excellent community engagement is leading to some great outcomes for the local community and tourists.
Noosa has long suffered from serious traffic congestion during peak tourism periods and at school drop-off and pick-up times. A well-connected shared bicycle and pedestrian network will make cycling the best option for short commutes – reducing congestion and improving health and well-being.
Residents are invited to upload photos to The Bike Bubble Map, which will create an overlay with images of existing paths, danger spots, signage fails and linkages that are needed. To maintain accuracy, on request participants will be granted access to edit the map.
Cycle Noosa will then evaluate the findings and provide real user input for connectivity planning to Noosa Council and State MP Sandy Bolton for consideration.
Noosa Council’s latest budget includes $250,000 for a shire-wide walking and cycling pathway study. We suggest a more grassroots approach that will empower local groups who already use the infrastructure rather than expensive external consultants.
The money saved can be spent on fixing some of the low hanging fruit, linking our already extensive bike network into a seamless, safe and sustainable riding experience.
- If you want to join the experiment send a quick message to editor@opennoosa.org so we can give you access.
- Join Cycle Noosa on facebook for updates and conversations.
Great suggestions Desire. I know your interest is mainly in cycleways but I hope we also don’t leave out the ‘walk’ part. In many parts of the shire we now have good cyclepaths but little attention has been given to walkers. As an example, I regularly walk to Noosa Junction or Hastings Street from my home in Cooloola via various routes and am always puzzled as to why planners have given little thought to making it easy to walk instead of ride or drive. You can see the pathways walkers prefer because the ground is worn from constant traffic, but paving, crossings, entrances are often somewhere else less convenient and away from the ínstinctive walking route. It really wouldn’t cost much to fix these things.