Westcycle, in conjunction with Healthway, has secured funding to improve access to active travel in Geraldton over the next two years. This funding will support projects and initiatives that make it easier for the community to walk, ride, and scoot.
To kick things off, Westcycle hosted an Active Travel Forum to bring together community members who are passionate about making Geraldton a better place to get around. Led by WestCycle’s Regional Coordinator, Andrew Turns and supported by Active Travel Officer, Tim Burns, the forum included a discussion on WestCycle’s vision and an introduction to the Healthy Streets program https://www.healthystreets.com/.
“Getting this passionate, knowledgeable group together was a crucial first step,” Turns said. “The ideas that came out of the forum are exciting, and I’m energised by the potential we have to help Geraldton residents lead more active, healthy lives.”
The goal was to brainstorm and identify community-led projects that we can make happen. From these discussions, the group identified several focus areas:
Education
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- Developing an Active Travel Map with local insight.
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- Hosting bike maintenance workshops in schools.
Participation
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- Launching a School Walking Bus program with local seniors groups.
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- Implementing Ride 2 School programs. We would love to hear from schools or groups that would like to get involved!
Empowerment
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- Organising Community Events like “Try eRideable,” Gravel Rides”, and “Bike Glow Ride.”
Advocacy
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- Leading a placemaking project in Beachlands with local path painting and community seating.
What’s Next?
Our newly formed group is now turning these ideas into actions and will allocate funding for their delivery over the next 12 months.
We want to hear from you! If you have a project or an idea that would make Geraldton a better place to walk, ride, or scoot, please get in touch with Regional Coordinator, Andrew Turns, at andrew.turns@westcycle.org.au.
A big thank you to the members of the Geraldton Cycling Academy, Spokes Cycle Club, Beachlands Town Team, and the City of Geraldton for their valuable contributions to this initiative.
