Maroochydore City Centre enjoyed an encouraging shift towards eco-friendly commuting during Sustainable Travel Week, with survey data showing almost a 20 per cent reduction in single occupant car travel to the City during the five-day challenge.
Hundreds of people took part in the inaugural event, organised by SunCentral Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Council’s Think Change Team, aimed to encourage workers, residents, and visitors to the Maroochydore City Centre to rethink their travel routines.
Those who chose to ride, skate, scooter, walk, carpool or bus into the city were rewarded each day with free coffee, food, and go cards, while the MET came alive throughout the week with music and activities to promote the benefits of sustainable travel.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said every small step we took towards sustainable transport was a giant leap for our environment.
“The success of Sustainable Travel Week proves that change is possible. Let’s keep the momentum going, one eco-friendly trip at a time,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The community’s positive response to Sustainable Travel Week demonstrates a willingness to embrace eco-friendly transportation options and create a positive change in their weekly routines,” SunCentral CEO Amanda Yeates said.
“Making the switch to sustainable travel may not seem easy at first, but it is undoubtedly worth trying, even just once or twice a week as a start. Not only does it ease road congestion but it’s better for our physical and mental health,” Amanda said.
Research shows 85 per cent of Sunshine Coast residents still rely on private vehicles, while just three per cent using public transport and 12 per cent opt for active transport like walking, and bike riding.
Maroochydore City Centre Travel To Work data shows 62 per cent commute by car (which includes 20 per cent carpooling + park and ride figures), while 38 per cent of City Workers use active travel and seven per cent take public transport.
A survey undertaken during Sustainable Travel Week captured the shift in commuting habits of more than 150 people during the week, as well as what would motivate the switch to more eco-friendly travel.
The survey found a 19 per cent reduction in single occupant car travel into Maroochydore City Centre for the week based on those who had already, or intended to, make an eco-friendly switch.
The survey also found the top three factors which would encourage people to use Sustainable Travel options to travel to work in Maroochydore City Centre in the future were safer bike routes, express bus services and greater frequency of bus services.
Maroochydore City Centre commuter Andrew Zarb has been rewarded for his sustainable travel efforts, today announced as the lucky winner of a $1000 voucher to a local bike shop.
Andrew and his wife are commendable advocates of sustainable travel, foregoing car ownership for the past year and a half in favour of a motorcycle, e-bikes, walking, public transport, and the occasional Uber or taxi ride. Andrew is going to put his voucher towards a new bike for casual cycling and commuting to work where he can access the City’s end-of-trip facilities in City Hall.
Sunshine Coast Council has already reported an increase in bikes and e-bikes parked in City Hall End-of-Trip facilities since Sustainable Travel Week.
“Maroochydore City Centre is planning ongoing Sustainable Travel Challenges throughout the year to continue to build on the positives we’ve seen from this year’s inaugural event. The shift toward eco- friendly transportation is a collective effort to make our City more environmentally friendly, healthier, and less congested, one step at a time,” Amanda Yeates said.
