The Getting West Auckland Moving workshop, which was held on April 6, has seen Healthy Families Waitākere invited to ask questions around active transport.
The workshop was hosted by Transport Minister and Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford.
Active Transport Innovator Rochelle Pethybridge says it was a chance to raise the issue of greater access to active transport around West Auckland for students.
“Our communities tell us that traffic and vehicle speeds outside schools is a real issue for them and lack of safety is often a barrier to children walking, cycling and scooting to school,” she says.
The New Zealand Transport Agency commented on Rochelle’s query at the workshop by saying that their organisation has a goal of getting three-times more children cycling to school than at present and as part of the Auckland Transport Alignment Plan (ATAP) they are looking into speed reduction outside schools.
“It’s good to see transport organisations like NZTA driving initiatives that promote active transport since it not only reduces congestion, but will see the next generation benefit from physical activity associated with active transport.”
Active transport is an area that Healthy Families Waitākere is focussing on, especially in the Lincoln North area where Rochelle is working with local schools to find ways at improving active transport experience for parents and children.
The Getting West Auckland Moving workshop concentrated on various transport initiatives planned for the West Auckland region, and brought in several organisations including Healthy Families Waitākere and Greater Auckland to discuss.