The City of Darebin is offering its staff interest free bike loans as part of Council’s Green Travel Plan that aims to encourage staff to ride to work. Launched in July last year, the Green Travel Plan (GTP) is part of Darebin’s Integrated Travel Plan (ITP), entitled ‘Going Places’.
“GTP aims to reduce single occupancy car dependency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of safer forms of transport,” said Darebin Mayor, Councillor Vince Fontana.
“Darebin staff were involved in a consultation process throughout the development of the GTP, and their feedback from surveys and focus group sessions have formed the basis of the plan.”
He said that incentives will be offered to staff to incorporate environment friendly commuter travel into their routines, including cycling, walking, carpooling and catching public transport.
“We have already installed high profile bike rack facilities and shower facilities for Council staff cycling to work,” Councillor Fontana said.
Other initiatives to be introduced to encourage staff to use alternative modes of transport during working hours include the following.
- Free Metcards for business travel
- A ‘fleet’ of five bicycles for use by staff travelling a short distance to ameeting.
- A travel information pack for new staff to promote the GTP.
By promoting other modes of transport for staff to use, Council hopes to reduce the number of staff who currently drive to work from 84 per cent to 70 percent by 2005.
A copy of the Darebin Green Travel Plan is available on Council’s website at www.darebin.vic.gov.au/comm.html.
