The $$ benefits of walking and cycling friendly streets
The report has shows that:
• A high proportion of all retail expenditure comes from local residents and workers.
• Space allocated to bicycle parking can produce much higher levels of retail spend than the same space devoted to car parking.
• Many car-borne shoppers are “drive-through” shoppers, stopping to pick up one item on the way to their eventual destination, rather than people for whom shopping is their main purpose for visiting the area.
• Whilst it is difficult to estimate the value of non-drive-in spend for main streets, it is always bigger than we think.
• Retail vitality would be best served by traffic restraint, public transport improvements, and a range of measures to improve the walking and cycling environment.
WATAG believes that this message needs to be broadcast loudly to all involved in planning for a super-sized Box Hill.
With many more people living in Box Hill this will lead to big retail and service industry opportunities. The shopping Centre owner – Vicinity – recognises this, which is why it has plans to spend $1 billion to turn its complex into a Chadstone- like major “town-centre” type of shopping experience – to not only cater for new residents, but to people from then entire region.
The Business Community of Box Hill deserve an integrated Box Hill CBD environment which will bring them maximum benefit. And visitors deserve a vital and refreshed Active Transport friendly environment to enjoy.
Whitehorse Active Transport Action Group Inc. 