Mobilise T.I. Easy, Affordable, and Enjoyable Transport for All

why?[edit | edit source]

Mobility is considered fundamental to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable mobility, such as public transport, bike riding, walking and shared and/or clean energy vehicles, are integral to making the community inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

The cost to own and run a private car is very high, especially in this remote region.

what is this about?[edit | edit source]

It is hoped that through a deliberate and enthusiastic collaboration between:

• local individuals, especially mums and other caregivers*
• young people
• elders
• families
• businesses
• government and non-government organisations,

...we can ensure that everyone (from the youngest to eldest members of the community) can easily and affordably get around TI.

This initiative is focused on inclusivity, to ensure people of all ages, life stages, economic circumstances and abilities are considered and accommodated.

how?[edit | edit source]

By sharing our ideas and experiences, collaborating together, innovating and advocating for, for example:

• affordable high quality bicycles for all, especially every child that needs one. Through, for example, a partnership with Revolve Recycle, and/or a:
  • community bike library?
  • bulk buy?
  • bike hire?
  • rent-to-buy / subsidy?
• affordable accessories (helmets, baby seats, locks, etc.)
• local bike maintenance & repair
  • youth workshop?
  • Earn-A-Bike program?

supplemented by, for example:

• a community shuttle bus? (e.g. Liftango)
• a public school bus? and a bike bus?
• shared private vehicles? (e.g. Uber CarShare)
• a bike taxi or volunteer service for elderly/disabled passengers (e.g. Cycling Without Age)
• courier deliveries for bulky items? (to reduce dependence on private cars & taxis)

*This initiative specifically recognises mums and caregivers as being responsible for the transport needs of the children they care for given:

• approx. 17% of the population is aged under 10 years;
• and a further 17% are aged under 18 years.

Caregivers and children have particular needs that may otherwise be overlooked.

Many families who currently drive or taxi would rather walk, bike ride or bus. With a few changes, more families would have this option. With improved transport choices more children would also have the option to travel to school independently, removing this burden on families and caregivers.

Currently Australia has one of the lowest share of walking and cycling to school out of all OECD countries and road safety concerns are one of the major barriers. On TI, access to affordable high quality bicycles and a way to maintain and repair them, is also a major barrier.

why mums*?[edit | edit source]

Mothers (*and all caregivers) are important in the community, through:

• our daily influence on the next generation through caring for children; and
• our participation in the community through e.g. school, church, community groups, work, study, events, etc.

Caring for children means ensuring that our needs and our children’s needs are met.

Meeting these needs means:

• getting to where we need to go (work, daycare, school, appointments, beach/park/pool, etc.)
• caring for ourselves (mental and physical health)
• caring for our children (access to community, education, healthcare, environmental sustainability)

why bikes?[edit | edit source]

Bikes, especially family-friendly ones, are:

• free (or incredibly cheap) to run (especially when compared with private cars or taxis);
• enable us (and/or our children) to move quickly and efficiently;
• easy to maintain and repair;
• compact to park and store;
• give us an opportunity for low impact exercise and time outdoors;
• are quiet and free from pollution
• reduce traffic and parking issues;
• can be a fun and enjoyable way to move;
• offer independence and flexibility;
• promote a sense of community;
• have a lower carbon footprint;
• use the existing paths/roads;
• can be customised to fit personal or family needs e.g. seating multiple children/infants, transport elders or those with a disability, carry cargo, etc.
• can be safely ridden by children, as an independent travel option.