Whether you are an individual, school, organisation, business or council. Together we can get space for health.

Sign the petition

The petition calls on decision makers to take urgent steps to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure now. This will ensure that safe physical activity and social distancing can occur on our streets now and when the economy is reopened.

Support Local government

Let your local government authority know that infrastructure and space for outdoor physical activity is important for our health. Petition and request the state government to grant local councils emergency powers to rollout safe, active transport infrastructure NOW.

Ask for:
  • connections to schools, hospitals, recreation, work places
  • cycle routes
  • widened footpaths in local business areas and anywhere where foot congestion is an issue
  • lowering speed limit (read why this is important) or limiting thru-traffic in residential neighbourhoods
  • fast track current projects

States are fast tracking infrastructure projects to support the community and economy.  Active transport projects are being funded. This is an excellent opportunity to complete or begin implementing walking and cycling strategies.  Even if you don't have a design, many of the projects can be rolled out with temporary infrastructure, then designed with more detail, and eventually built with more permanent materials. These phases all provide work and jobs.  Plus, this can support local small and medium businesses by providing a direct economic boost in the form of increased accessibility and foot traffic.

NSW only

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW) has announced a $15 million grant program for councils to do  Streets as Shared spaces (applications close 10 June 2020). Let your local council know where you want to see Streets as Shared spaces. Find local council

​The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment want to hear what you have to say about public spaces.

Distribute the factsheet or write to your council

Download the factsheet (web, print, or black and white)
Distribute to council, local members, the community, schools, etc.
This is an open resource. You can add your organisation details and become the contact and build relations.
Download template for MP and Mayor or Councillors.
Don't forget to add your personal story about how this affected your during COVID.

NSW
QLD

Sign the open letter to government

On 23rd April, 2020, an open letter to the government, signed by over 100 leading public health experts and health institutes, requesting more space for people to walk and cycle, was released.  Signatories include the Heart Foundation, Doctors for the Environment Australia, Public Health Association of Australia, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, the Australasian College of Road Safety, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Committee, Kidsafe, the Australasian Injury Prevention Network, the Committee for Sydney and the Committee for Adelaide, and more. 

To add your name to the open letter, email Dr.Ben Beck at Monash University.   

Volunteer with an organisation that has signed the open letter and help support their efforts.

Social Media

Share your story on social media about how your walking or cycling has changed since quarantine.  If you have just rediscovered cycling and have this new found freedom, share your story with us, your local elected member of parliament, or on social media.  

Use the hashtag #SpaceForHealth on social media!

Start a walking or cycling to School program

School drop off and pick up time can be intense.  The increased traffic causes a significant increase in air pollution around schools, parking issues, and general traffic congestion.  Physical activity is a great way for children and teenagers to start their day having benefits for health and learning.  
Some great programs already exist across Australia:

Show support

Add the logo to your website, letterhead, email signature.
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