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New City of Melville Initiative a Sign of the Times
The City of Melville recently installed its first comprehensive pedestrian sign as part of its SMARTi (Smarter Mobility Achieving Reduced Traffic initiative) program, which has reduced single-occupant vehicle trips in the Canning Bridge Precinct by 16 per cent through an increase in walking, cycling and public transport use.
The Canning Bridge Active Travel Map, located in front of Raffles Hotel, informs visitors to the area of details such as bus stops and routes, cyclist and pedestrian paths, local bicycle-friendly streets, and bicycle parking. The sign, which has a creative, contemporary design, also details the amount of time required to walk to various landmarks, such as Heathcote.
Mayor Russell Aubrey unveiled the sign. He said travel by car had long been made easy, with extensive information provided through roadside signage and street directories. “The City of Melville also wants to support those who aren’t driving but are instead opting for a more active and sustainable mode of transport, by giving them all the resources they need,” he said. “The sign is orientated for easy use, especially for those of us who have trouble reading traditional maps.”
Mr Aubrey said the Travel Map also provided history and other interesting information about popular local sites, including Deep Water Point, Swan River Rowing Club, Raffles Hotel, Tivoli Theatre and Heathcote. “This should prove valuable to tourists and visitors, and also to locals who would like to know more about what is in their own neighbourhood,” he said.
SMARTi was funded by the City of Melville, with the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts. The now-completed program provided information and incentives to staff in the Canning Bridge Precinct to use active transport modes in commuting to work. It included providing free bicycles, public transport tickets, and walking vouchers.