Survey explores active school travel

Published on 25 March 2022

To coincide with National Ride 2 School Day, the City of Hobart has today launched a survey to gauge active travel use and opportunities in three Hobart suburbs.

The survey is the first step in developing School Access Travel Plans to improve active transport networks for students travelling to and from school.

South Hobart, Goulburn Street, and New Town primary schools are participating in a pilot program, which is partially funded through the state government’s Community Road Safety Partnership grant.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the study would look at the barriers to active travel and identify changes that could be made.

“With today being National Ride 2 School Day, it’s timely that we launch this project to encourage more students to engage in active travel,” Cr Reynolds said.

“There are many reasons why families choose not to use active transport options, and once we have a full understanding of those reasons, we can work with school communities towards overcoming them.

“We are aware there can be some difficulties in using active travel modes to get to school. We are aiming to identify these issues so we can develop solutions.

“By making it easier for students to walk, cycle, scoot, and skate, or to access public transport, we can not only reduce traffic congestion around schools, but it also leads to healthier lifestyles and more active families.”

Surveys for each of the three schools are now open on the City of Hobart’s YourSay website.

“Through the survey, we’re asking for feedback on current active travel use and preferred routes, and the reasons why families do or don’t choose active transport options,” Cr Reynolds said.

“We’ll use the results to work with schools to develop School Access Travel Plans that identify improvements that can benefit schools and their students.”

All parents and carers with children attending the three participating schools are invited to access the online survey, which will remain open until the end of school term on 14 April.