The popularity of walking, cycling and using micromobility devices (such as scooters) rose noticeably in 2020 as many people took advantage of fewer cars on the road and focused on their health and fitness. Cycling increased 270% in Melbourne, and Sydney City Council reported 25-50% increases.
Brisbane City Council data shows an extra one million bikeway trips between March and December 2020.47
Local governments responded rapidly, installing pop-up cycleways and fast-tracking bike lane projects. This experience demonstrates how agile project deployments can be applied to small-scale infrastructure projects.
Local authorities in Fast-growing Cities should retain these new cycling infrastructures to encourage people to shift from cars to active transport.
Walking also grew significantly as Australians flocked to public parks and pathways during lockdowns and this trend has continued.
Strategic planning must focus on walkability, whether it supports green and blue urban spaces for recreation, commuting to work or accessing local amenity. For more information on encouraging active transport, see the Transport chapter.