Central Coast Council has installed creative stencils along the Tuggerah Lake foreshore shared pathway to increase positive attitudes and behaviours towards people with a disability.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of pathway etiquette and safety for everyone and is an action of the Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025.
Council’s Administrator Rik Hart said through consultation in the development of the DIAP community members said they wanted improved accessibility and inclusion on shared pathways.
“The community told us what was working well for people with a disability and what needed to be improved on the Central Coast,” he said.
“The stencils have been designed in consultation with the Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG), Council’s Disability Inclusion Officer and Road Safety Officers as part of an ongoing community education campaign about the respectful use of shared pathways across the Central Coast.
“Central Coast Council’s Access and Inclusion Reference Group is made up of people with lived experience of disability and people working in the sector, who guide Council on the implementation of the DIAP.”
AIRG member Bobby Redman said not all disabilities are visible, and the stencils reflect the many dimensions of disability and diversity of people using the shared pathway including older people and those with hearing, vision and cognitive impairments.
“Through the use of the bright and colourful stencils we aim to engage users of the pathway and promote good etiquette and positive behaviours, to improve access and participation for everyone,” Redman said.
“Let’s keep shared pathways as they have been intended, as a shared, welcoming and safe place for everyone to enjoy!”
Messages on the shared pathway include: Shared pathways are for everyone; Slow down when passing; Use your bell before passing; Cycle safely; Be Kind – Share this space; and Keep Left.
Source:
Media release, Mar 8
Central Coast Council