Game-changing Coast cycle city the way of the future

A master-planned community in Caloundra has become a game-changer in town planning for the future of Australia.

ON A ROLL: Out enjoying Pedal Park at Aura are Freddy, 3, (red top), Quinn, 6 (scooter), Donna Odell (mum black top), with Alex and Layklan Selkrig, 5 (green bike). Picture: Patrick Woods

A MASTER-PLANNED community in Caloundra has become a game-changer in town planning for the future of Australia.

Residents of the first Aura suburb, Baringa, are encouraged to ditch their cars and cycle on the large three-metre veloways and bike paths connecting the community.

Property development company Stockland drew inspiration from Europe's passion for pedalling to establish a never-before-seen cycle city model on the Coast.

Stockland representative Hannah Madill said their vision of creating a healthy community was the lightning rod in embedding cycling as one of their core pillars.

Out enjoying Pedal Park at Aura are Freddy, 3, Quinn, 6, Donna Odell, with Alex and Layklan Selkrig, 5. Picture: Patrick Woods

"We've actually made a phenomenal shift in residential behaviour," Mrs Madill said.

"The Queensland average for kids riding to school is around 12 per cent for primary-aged children, whereas in Baringa, over 50 per cent of the student population rides to school. So it's great to see that activity come back to the streets to promote a healthier community."

University of the Sunshine Coast lecturer in Health Promotion Rachel Cole said research showed the importance of designing communities to support cycling.

"Australia is behind a lot of European countries when it comes to cycling, in terms of how many people do it and the infrastructure provided for it," Dr Cole said.

"To encourage cycling, cycleways need to be numerous, connected and separated from vehicular traffic, and cater for the most vulnerable in the community, such as children and older people."

Baringa resident Alex Selkrig frequently cycles the veloway with her children and said Aura's model should expand across the Coast.

"I think schools should connect with the bike paths too, so children are encouraged to ride to and from school," she said.