How Active Transport Can Boost Our Health and Community
What if the path to better health, a cleaner environment, and stronger community spirit was as simple as taking a walk or riding a bike?
That’s the idea behind active transport—walking, cycling, or using other forms of human-powered movement to get around. And right now, Bathurst Council wants to hear what you think about it! You can share your thoughts by visiting Your Say on the Bathurst Council website.
But why does active transport matter so much?
Because it’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about transforming our region into a healthier, happier, more connected place to live.
The Power of Active Transport
Active transport is one of the easiest ways to build more movement into our daily lives—and the benefits are too good to ignore:
- Better Physical Health: Walking or biking just a little each day lowers your risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. It also keeps muscles strong, joints flexible, and blood pressure in check.
- Mental Health Boost: Time outdoors, fresh air, and physical activity can lift your mood, reduce stress, and improve focus. You might even find a smile comes more easily when your daily commute includes a stroll through the park.
- Cleaner Air, Healthier Lungs: Fewer car trips mean less pollution. That leads to fewer cases of asthma, heart disease, and even some cancers. Cleaner air is something we all benefit from—especially our kids and older residents.
- Safer, More Liveable Streets: The more people walk or cycle, the more lively and connected our streets become. With more eyes on the road and slower traffic, everyone feels safer—from kids walking to school to older residents heading to the shops.
How Can We Make Active Transport Easier in Bathurst?
It’s not just up to individuals—it takes community-wide support. Here’s how we can make walking and cycling safer, easier, and more appealing for everyone:
- Build Better Paths: Smooth, continuous sidewalks. Clearly marked, protected bike lanes. Well-lit crosswalks. Greenways and trails that connect neighbourhoods to parks and schools.
- Design for Everyone: Adopt “Complete Streets” principles that prioritise safety and access for all users—whether they’re driving, walking, rolling, or cycling.
- Make It Convenient: Place bike racks at schools and shops, add benches along walking routes, and provide shade and water fountains on longer trails.
- Help Kids Get Active: Safe Routes to School programs make it easier and safer for children to walk or bike each day.
- Raise Awareness: Events like “Walk to Work Day” and community challenges can inspire more people to give active transport a try.
- Connect with Transit: Walking or biking doesn’t have to be your whole trip—just the start or finish. Safe routes to bus and train stops help bridge the gap.
Have Your Say
Your voice matters. Bathurst Council is gathering community feedback on how to improve active transport options in our region. What would make it easier for you to walk, ride, or roll around town? Visit Your Say on the Bathurst Council website and let them know.
One Step at a Time
Active transport is more than a trend—it’s a step toward a better future. By choosing to walk or cycle, even just sometimes, we’re not only investing in our own health—we’re helping create a cleaner, friendlier, and more connected Bathurst for everyone.
So why not lace up your shoes, hop on your bike, and start moving toward a brighter tomorrow?
Submitted by Dr Jocelyn Rikard-Bell
