RACQ’s Safer Pathways survey aims to encourage more people to take up ‘active transport’ such as walking, riding, and scooting by identifying problem pathways.

The Club’s Transport Planning and Infrastructure Advisor Tim Mitchell said community input was vital to help advocate for improvements.

“Poorly designed or unmaintained pathways can deter people from being active and simple upgrades such as widening a pathway, completing ‘missing links’ or installing better lighting could make all the difference,” Mr Mitchell said.

“A safe and reliable pathway network is also vital for people using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or even for those pushing a small child or baby in a pram.

“We also want people to think about the pathways, or lack of pathways, in their neighbourhoods that are stopping them from jumping on a bike or going for a walk.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to complete the survey and by pinpointing paths that need improving, you could help make your community more accessible and active.”

Mr Mitchell said the results will be used to advocate for active transport projects across the State and could guide governments on where to allocate funding for footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.

“So far, we are seeing lots of nominations in regional towns, where residents are calling out a lack of pathways and poor-quality paths,” he said.

“Investment in quality active transport infrastructure is essential. If we create safe and accessible pathways within our communities, more people will walk, cycle or scoot, rather than jump in their car and add to congestion problems.

“It’s important that pathway networks are safe, connected, and accessible for the whole community and that’s what this survey aims to do.”

RACQ’s Safer Pathways Survey will be open until 10 November 2023 and residents can nominate multiple locations.

Fill out the survey here: Safer pathways survey | RACQ