Active and sustainable transport

Active and sustainable transport means travelling from A to B by healthier and more environmentally-friendly modes of travel.

Did you know that being able to cycle, walk or use public transport is not only good for you, but good for our economy? In Queensland, economic modelling has shown that for every $1 invested in cycling infrastructure, $5 is returned to our state through a range of benefits including community health, traffic decongestion and savings in car user costs.

So whether you’re looking to build some extra exercise into your day, reduce your costs or lower your emissions, using more active and sustainable transport options can be a big win/win for you and the environment. 

Below are some transport top tips for how your household can choose to get from A to B more sustainably.

Active transport modes

There are lots of obvious benefits to fewer cars on the road and studies show one of the biggest ones is your health! Active transport means using physical activity to travel places.

• Get active wherever possible using the benefits of walking. There are heaps of great local walking tracks and our footpath network is extending and linking more every year. While you are at it, check out the 10,000 steps program or check out local walking and running groups.
• Add wheels to your journey! Why not skate, scooter or cycle using our local footpaths or cycling network. Have a look at the benefits of cycling and how the Walking and Cycling Strategy plans to extend our local networks.
• Activate the daily commute! You may want to get involved with National Walk Safely to School Day or Walk to Work Day. Check out Journi to help with kids road safety. 

Big wheels keep on turning (more efficiently!)

A lot of households find that a car is still the main option for daily transportation. But here are some top tips to gain fuel efficiencies, save money at the bowser and help the environment:

• For a fuel efficient journey, get some of the basics right like servicing your car in line with manufacturers recommendations and keep tyres inflated to the correct level (low tyre pressure increases the rolling resistance of your tyres which requires more fuel to overcome).
• Use less fuel by trying some eco-driving techniques to help adjust the way you drive (less abrupt stop/starts when not required). Plus removing excess vehicle weight and wind restrictions are just some tips to further improve fuel efficiency, save money and reduce emissions.
• Check if your car is E10 compatible (if you are unsure about your vehicle, contact your vehicle manufacturer). The ethanol used in E10 is a renewable energy source that is produced in Queensland made from molasses (produced from sugar cane) or grain.
• Get on board with carpooling, ride share and public transport. Check out the first private passenger transport operator in Australia to commit to a zero-emissions target right here in CQ.

The future is electric! 

Queensland is powering ahead in the transition to zero emission vehicles. A zero emission vehicle (ZEV) produces no exhaust fumes or emissions from its on-board source of power.

• Consider and research when purchasing your next vehicle using the Australian Government Green Vehicle Guide especially in Queensland as 50% of new passenger vehicle sales will be zero emission by 2030.
• Jump on board with zero emission vehicle (ZEV) such as electric vehicles – Hybrid, motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and skateboards.
• Check out Queensland's Electric Super Highway and how the electric vehicle fast charging stations are extending along national highways.
• As the ‘Sunshine State’, find out how Queensland is building an energy system that will transform to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. 

Destination travels and ecotourism!

You may have heard, the saying 'take only memories, leave no trace' in relation to travelling. Here are some tips to put it into action.

• Explore our own backyard and visit local natural assets, National Parks and Marine Parks.
• Check out the Green Travel Guide that features tourism operators and destinations certified by Ecotourism Australia. 
• Look for the Eco Certified Ecotourism, ROC Respecting our Culture and Climate Action certified logos when you are researching and booking your travel.

There are so many more resources available to help you on your travels!