Active Travel Officers making a positive impact

In March, our grant supported Active Travel Officer (ATO), Fred Block, developed and delivered an event that saw more than 150 women hop on their bikes and participate in the Women on Wheels event in Geraldton.

The inaugural event, which was also an acknowledgement of International Women’s Day, saw women of all ages and abilities walk, wheel and ride on a 10 km journey from Geraldton foreshore to St George’s Beach and highlighted the appetite for more local active travel events. 

Fred started in the ATO role in October 2023, established through seed funding from the Department of Transport (DoT) as part of our Western Australian Bicycle Network Grants Program.

ATO grants were offered for the first time last year to six local governments and fund 50 per cent of the total ATO salary over three years. 

The grant allocation is focused on boosting development and delivery of active travel initiatives and bike network activation programs in communities, as well as increasing rates of walking and riding to school.
Fred said it was fantastic to see the colour, fun and frivolity of the inaugural Women on Wheels event and is a springboard for other community activities.

Participants enjoying the City of Greater Geraldton Women on Wheels Event.

“It was amazing to see the community embrace the event which was the first of its kind in Geraldton,” he said.

“By running events like this, we are also encouraging the general community to consider using more sustainable modes of transport in their daily commute and leisure time.

“To build on the momentum of Women on Wheels, we are looking at running a number of women-only cycling skills sessions and ‘have-a-go’ eBike sessions with the senior’s community – and to support this, continue to identify opportunities for improving the City’s infrastructure to make all forms of active travel a safe and enjoyable experience whether you are 8 or 80.

“None of this would be possible without the DoT’s support.”

Along with the City of Greater Geraldton, there are currently ATOs in the cities of Joondalup, Kwinana, Stirling and Wanneroo.

For more information, visit our WA Bicycle Network Grants Program webpage.

Woman roller skating at the City of Greater Geraldton Women on Wheels Event.