Appendix+3+Call+to+tick+off+active+transport

Retrieved from [] = Call to tick off active transport = 

MICHELLE PAINE **|** February 10, 2012 12.01am **THE Heart Foundation has called for 5 per cent of road funding to be diverted to safer cycling tracks and better walking paths and public transport.** Chief executive officer Graeme Lynch said families should be choosing walking, cycling and public transport to get to work and school to help combat child obesity and pollution. "We're urging the Tasmanian Government to embrace active transport as part of the policy cure for chronic disease, climate change, congestion and pollution," Mr Lynch said. He said 22 per cent of Tasmanian children were overweight, and 64 per cent of adults were overweight or obese. But he said a concern for parents was safety. "In poor economic times we're calling for the Tasmanian Government to invest more in the next Budget by transferring 5 per cent of the infrastructure budget from roads to sustainable transport infrastructure." That would include connected walking and cycling routes, traffic calming measures and convenient public transport. Pedestrian Council of Australia chief executive officer Harold Scruby said there was no doubt governments should be spending more on walking and cycling. "However, practically all road safety experts agree that until they are 10, children should hold an adult's hand when crossing any road," Mr Scruby said. Bicycle Tasmania president Jeff Dunn said funds spent for active transport went further. "The Heart Foundation's call is right on the money. It's definitely the prudent choice for governments, particularly during tough economic times," Mr Dunn said. Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim said promoting healthy transport options for children was a great cause. Mr McKim said the State Government supported campaigns such as Why Ride? And the Tasmania Bicycle Council received $10,000 last year from the Cycling for Active Transport Local Infrastructure Development Fund towards a promotion campaign. He said the Government wanted more Tasmanians to think about leaving the car at home. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Its cycling development fund supported councils and not-for-profit groups, with funds going towards cycle parking in Devonport and Kingborough and an upgrade of the University Trail in Launceston.

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