Toronto Area Sustainable Action Plan

Living Sustainably

Objective 1:  

Reduce reliance on motorised vehicles by identifying and enhancing safe and efficient connections for walking and cycling and identifying options for more efficient public transport.

1.1 Promote public interest in cycling:

Actions:

• Contribute to the Lake Macquarie Draft Cycleway Strategy
• Identify priority locations to make cycling a safer and more efficient experience through cycleway construction and/or better on-road access (e.g. around Coal Point and Toronto)
• Identify key impediments to enhanced bicycle usage both for transport (commuting, shopping) and recreation, through surveys and other means and to engage with Council to address these constraints
• Promote the use of the Toronto to Fassifern Track for recreation and to link with trains
• Engage with Council to improve cycleway signage, bicycle rack facilities, adequate lighting and encourage employers to provide showers where appropriate
• Engage with Council to educate the public to be more sympathetic to shared use of roads with cyclists
• Promote child bicycle education and maintenance
• Initiate companion riders for leisure and commuting activities

Outcomes:

• More school children encouraged to cycle safely to and from schools thereby relieving traffic congestion
• Reduced reliance on motorised vehicles (other than electric bicycles) and, consequently, reduce levels of atmospheric and other pollution (i.e. reduced ecological foot print)
• Improved health and well being of residents who are able to enjoy the beauty of the natural and built environment of this neighbourhood
• Increased neighbourhood awareness of issues 
• Better promotion of the use of available and potential pedestrian and cycleways infrastructure 

1.2  Make walking a desirable and safe experience:

Actions:

• Identify and formalise public walking tracks and access points in the area and transpose to maps (hard copy and internet)
• Engage with Council and the community (e.g. Coal Point Progress Association) to seek funding to improve problem areas (e.g. insufficient verge on road along parts of Coal Point and Skye Point Roads, creation of pathways along sections of Brighton Ave, bushland tracks) and to improve signage
• Investigate better connections of pedestrian pathways and cycleways to bus and train facilities
• Make tracks safe with user-friendly access

Outcomes:

• A more friendly neighbourhood because of increased pedestrian activit
• Neighbourhood awareness and use of available and potential pedestrian and cycleway infrastructure promoted
• Reduction in energy use and transport costs
• Increased public safety and health

1.3 Promote and encourage more efficient and effective transport options:

Actions

• Engage with Council, bus companies and community groups to audit and promote public transport use and availability in the area (e.g. greater use of minibuses, better options to transport bicycles on buses and trains)
• Facilitate a car-pooling project
• Facilitate and encourage improved access for people with a disability 

Outcomes

• Improved access to various transport options other than cars for more peopl
• Reduced carbon footprint