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Innovative thinking and practical initiatives are the way to address greenhouse and environmental issues the 25th Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF) has heard in Canberra today.
Two papers presented at the Forum today highlight the value of alternative forms of transport such as bicycles and motor scooters.
Vice President of the Victorian Town and Country Planning Association, Alan Parker, presented the results of his case study which found secure bicycle parking in the Netherlands had made rail travel more competitive with car travel.
"OECD studies show that the high level of bicycle use in the Netherlands for 'door to door' trips and going to railway stations has helped stabilise car fleet greenhouse gas emissions and constrained road congestion costs.
"The Dutch will have invested A$250 million in bicycle security by 2006.
"In comparison, Australia is doing very little. Our best practice is Citytrain in Brisbane who have provided bicycle lockers since 1992. Citytrain has 1900 lockers, with a waiting list for over 1000 more.
"Making it easier, safer and more convenient for people to ride their bikes would reduce our escalating urban emissions and congestion costs."
Also examining reducing pollution in our cities, Ian Coxon of the University of Western Sydney, conducted a study of motor scooter riders in Sydney.
"Riding scooters is a growing trend in Europe and Australia. The study has shown that there is an increasing number of people who prefer to ride a single person form of transport rather than travel by car.
"It also provides an insight into the issues facing scooter riders and valuable findings for the future development of inner city transport and developing more sustainable alternatives to cars."
Tony Slatyer, Executive Director of the BTRE said that the Forum provided an opportunity to address present and emerging issues in the transport industry.
"The Forum is about focusing on how to achieve tangible improvements to transport in Australia," Mr Slatyer said.
"It is a great opportunity for transport researchers, planners, policy analysts and decision makers to discuss experiences and recent findings."
More than 50 papers will be presented at the 25th ATRF in the exchange and development of solutions to issues facing the transport industry in Australia and neighbouring regions. The Forum will be held from 2 to 4 October 2002.
The BTRE operates within the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services, undertaking applied economic research on current and emerging policy issues of interest to portfolio responsibilities.
For more information about the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics (BTRE) please visit www.btre.gov.au
Media contact: Anna Tannock ph: 6274 6843
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