Kingborough Bicycle Advisory Committee: Promoting Active Transport

The Kingborough Bicycle Advisory Committee (KBAC) plays a pivotal role in promoting cycling as a safe, viable, and enjoyable mode of transportation within the Kingborough municipality. Established to advise the Kingborough Council on matters related to cycling infrastructure and policy, the committee's work spans strategic planning, advocacy, and practical action to enhance the cycling environment for residents and visitors alike.

Strategic and Advocacy Actions

KBAC's strategic actions include promoting events such as National Ride to School Day and Ride to Work Day to encourage more people to consider cycling as a daily mode of transport. The committee also participates in annual Commuter Counts to collect cycling data and track the usage of cycling routes. These efforts help build a comprehensive active transport dataset, which is essential for planning and advocacy.

Promoting safe cycling practices and highlighting places to ride in Kingborough are also key aspects of KBAC's work. Personal stories and council communications are leveraged to raise awareness and inspire the community to adopt cycling. Additionally, KBAC advocates for the installation of bike racks on local and regional bus routes, enhancing the integration of cycling with public transport.

Infrastructure Improvements

KBAC reviews and discusses various infrastructure projects to improve cycling conditions in Kingborough. Notable projects include:

• Channel Hwy Sealed Shoulders: Advocacy for road upgrades that include 1.5m sealed shoulders, addressing a high-priority safety issue for both commuter and recreational cyclists.
• Mountain Bike Park Improvements: Upgrades to facilities at the Kingston Mountain Bike Park, including new toilets and potential future enhancements to dirt jumps.
• Channel Trail (Kingston to Margate): Investigation and advocacy for a shared path from Huntingfield to Margate, with ongoing feasibility studies and community engagement.
• Wayfinding Strategy: Development and implementation of improved signage and mapping for active travel throughout the municipality.
• Roslyn Avenue Design: Plans for uphill bike lanes and shared paths, addressing high-priority cycling links despite site constraints and high costs.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement

KBAC works closely with various stakeholders, including state and local government bodies, cycling organizations like Cycling South and Bicycle Network, and the broader community. Regular meetings, such as those held bi-monthly at the Kingborough Civic Centre, provide a platform for discussing progress, addressing concerns, and planning future initiatives.

The committee also engages in broader community efforts, such as the Kingborough Community Hub and local shopping center developments, ensuring that cycling considerations are integrated into new projects. By doing so, KBAC helps create a more connected, accessible, and cyclist-friendly Kingborough.

Conclusion

The Kingborough Bicycle Advisory Committee is dedicated to fostering a cycling-friendly environment through strategic planning, advocacy, and infrastructure improvements. By addressing safety issues, promoting cycling events, and collaborating with various stakeholders, KBAC is making significant strides in enhancing the cycling experience in Kingborough, encouraging more residents and visitors to choose cycling as a healthy, sustainable mode of transport.