ThinkChange

Event organisers 

Choosing sustainable transport options for your event can benefit both your patrons and the event itself. Not only does it help reduce congestion and parking issues, it also enhances the overall event experience with less stress for attendees, fewer delays and lessens its environmental impact. By promoting public transport, carpooling, walking and bike riding as the preferred travel options to your event, you are helping your patrons to rethink the way they travel, which may encourage further use. Plus, sustainable travel choices help make your event more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 

Tips to promote and encourage sustainable transport: 

• Choose an event location that is close to public transport and pathways. 
• Highlight public transport routes, timetables and ticketing options on event promotional materials. 
• Offer discounts or incentives for those who use public transport, walk, ride or carpool. 
• Partner with local transport providers to offer special fares or services for event attendees. 
• If you are hosting a large event, consider operating a shuttle bus from designated park and ride locations. 
• Promote how to get to your event using sustainable travel options on your website and on social media posts. 
• Provide additional temporary bike racks and locker facilities. 
• Include information to event participants and spectators on bike parking, lockers, pathways, and bus stops and their distances via a venue site map. 
• Provide clear signage for bike parking and walking paths at the event venue. 
• Encourage ride-sharing through dedicated apps or social media groups. 
• Designate drop-off and pick-up zones for rideshare and carpool services. 
• If your event has more than 500 attendees and has great pathway connectivity, consider having the ThinkChange Bike Park at your next event. 

Book the ThinkChange Bike Park for your next event 

The ThinkChange Bike Park offers free and secure parking for up to 300 bikes, scooters, or skateboards at select events. Attendees can pre-book their spot to guarantee a space or simply roll in on the day. Upon arrival, attendees register their device and receive a lanyard that corresponds to their bike, scooter, or skateboard, which must be returned when collecting their device.  

To be eligible for the Bike Park service, events must meet the following criteria:  

• Generally have an expected attendance of over 500 people 
• The event site ideally should be connected to a pathway network 
• The Bike Park should be positioned in a prominent and flat location in close proximity to the entrance of the event venue. As a guide, an area of 90m2 will accommodate approx. 40 bikes and will require 16 standard temporary fencing panels (2.5m L x 1m H). 
• The Bike Park must be promoted both in advance and on the event day, via the event’s communication channels including the ‘getting there’ page on the event website and social media. 

To book the Bike Park or to request more information on how to incorporate sustainable travel into your next event, email [email protected] 

Attendees  

Traveling sustainably to your next event on the Sunshine Coast is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying a stress-free journey. By choosing public transport, carpooling, riding, or walking, you can help ease traffic congestion, lower emissions, and even save money.  

Here are some tips to help you plan your journey sustainably: 

• Public transport: Check Translink’s journey planner for routes and schedules to your event. Take advantage of affordable fares, including 50 cent options, and use contactless payment for convenience. 
• Carpooling: Share a ride with friends or use a carpooling app to connect with others heading to the same event. Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road and can save on fuel and parking costs. 
• Riding or walking: If you live nearby, consider cycling or walking to the event. Many venues offer bike racks or even services like the ThinkChange Bike Park for secure parking. 
• Plan ahead: Check the event’s ‘getting there’ page for transport options and updates. Many events include specific guidance on public transport access, parking, and sustainable travel tips. Major events will often offer facilities like bike parking or shuttle services from public transport hubs. 

For more information on sustainable travel options, visit the Sunshine Coast Council Transport Options page. Make your journey to the event part of the experience! 

Encouraging sustainable transport in the workplace is a great way to create a healthier, more productive and environmentally responsible workforce. 

By promoting options like public transport, bicycle and scooter riding, walking and carpooling, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, ease parking demands and even lower costs associated with employee commutes. 

Sustainable travel can also lead to happier, healthier staff, as active commuting options contribute to improved well-being and reduced stress. When employers champion sustainable transport, they foster a culture of responsibility and innovation, making their workplace more attractive to current and future employees. 

 Tips to encourage sustainable transport trips to and from work: 

• Provide incentives, such as public transport subsidies or bike-to-work schemes, to support employees choosing sustainable options. 
• Install end of trip facilities including secure bike racks, lockers, showers and change rooms to make cycling to work more appealing. 
• Prioritise bicycle and motorbike parking over cars and position close to the entrance of the building. 
• Set up carpooling groups within your organisation or through a dedicated app to facilitate ride-sharing among colleagues. 
• Offer flexible work hours to help employees avoid peak traffic times, encouraging off-peak travel. 
• Promote the use of active transport like walking or cycling by organising workplace challenges or wellness initiatives. 
• Create a workplace travel plan that includes information on nearby public transport routes, parking, and facilities for active transport. 

Biketober 2024 

For the month of October, Council partnered with Love to Ride to deliver Biketober on the Sunshine Coast. The free competition encourages workplaces to compete to get more people riding for transport. There are a number of prizes up for grabs. For more information or to register your workplace visit Home : Biketober Australia 2024 (lovetoride.net) 

Getting started 

For assistance with getting your workplace travel plan in place or to get involved in Council’s workplace trial email [email protected]. 

 

The school drop-off and pick-up times are a major contributor to peak time traffic congestion. Encouraging sustainable transport options for travel to and from school benefits students, parents and the broader community. By promoting walking, cycling, public transport and carpooling, schools can reduce traffic congestion, improve safety around school zones and contribute to a healthier environment. Sustainable travel also helps students develop independence and physical activity habits that benefit their well-being. Supporting these initiatives creates a more connected community and ensures that the school is doing its part in reducing carbon emissions for a greener future. 

Tips to encourage sustainable transport options for school travel: 

• Promote walking or cycling to school by organising “Walk or Ride to School” days. 
• Set up “walking buses” or group rides, where students travel together with adult supervision. The Buderim Lions have developed an excellent model, for more information visit Safe Walk to School - The Official web site of Buderim Lions Club 
• Encourage parents to carpool by facilitating a carpool network or online tool to help coordinate rides. 
• Educate students and parents on the environmental and health benefits of active travel modes. 
• Participate in Safe School Infrastructure reviews to help get connectivity improvements on Council’s schedule of works. 
• Participate in year four bike skills to help educate students on road and bike safety. 

RideScore 

The RideScore program encourages children to become more active by riding or scooting to school, assisting with reducing traffic congestion around schools. Children earn scoot and pedal points for each ride and push notifications from the app provide parents or carers with peace of mind that their child has arrived at school. For more information or to find out if your school is eligible visit RideScore Active Schools - Get out and get active! | RideScore Active Schools (sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au) 

Email [email protected] for information on how to get involved with cycle skills or national awareness days at your school. 

Choosing a new sustainable transport option is essential for creating a cleaner, healthier and more liveable Sunshine Coast. By reducing our reliance on cars and embracing public transport, cycling, walking and carpooling, we can cut down on traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Sustainable transport not only benefits the environment but also promotes active lifestyles and stronger social connections. When individuals and community groups champion sustainable travel, they help build a greener, more connected community that is resilient to future challenges. 

Tips for individuals: 

• Simply replacing one car trip per week can make a difference. 
• Choose public transport, cycling, or walking for your daily commutes and errands when possible. 
• Consider carpooling with neighbours or colleagues to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. 
• Explore local bike paths and walking trails as alternative routes for short trips. Check out Council’s active travel maps for inspiration Active travel maps | Sunshine Coast Council 
• Stay informed about transport options in your area by visiting Council's transport page. 
• If you live in a hilly area or the distance you need to travel is a bit far for a bicycle, consider purchasing an e-bike instead. 

Tips for community groups: 

• Organise carpooling programs, walking groups, or bike rides to promote sustainable transport within your group. 
• Host events or campaigns that highlight the benefits of sustainable transport and encourage community participation. 
• Collaborate with local schools, businesses, or organisations to implement sustainable travel initiatives. 
• Share resources and promote Council’s transport options to educate your community about greener travel alternatives. 

Getting started 

Council offers free come and try bike riding days throughout the year. Follow Council’s Facebook page to be the first to know when the next event is coming up. 

There has never been a better time to get on-board public transport, thanks to the State Government’s 50 cent fares (during the six-month trial from 5 August 2024) and cashless ticketing on all Kinetic Sunshine Coast services. For more information visit Translink. 

The Sunshine Coast offers a range of sustainable and affordable transport options for visitors, making it easy to explore our beautiful region without a car. With Translink’s convenient public transport network, you can reach popular destinations across the Sunshine Coast, including beaches and key attractions. Plus, you can enjoy 50 cent fares (during the six-month trial from 5 August 2024), and the convenience of contactless payment with your bank card or mobile device on certain routes. 

Whether you're traveling by bus, bike, or foot, here are some resources to help you plan your journey: 

• Sunshine Coast Council Transport Options: Find information on public transport, cycling routes and walking paths to help you navigate the region sustainably. 
• Visit Sunshine Coast: Discover everything the region has to offer, including top attractions, events, and travel tips. 
• Translink: Plan your public transport journey, check schedules, and learn about contactless payment options and fare details. 

 Explore the Sunshine Coast sustainably and enjoy the journey as much as the destination! 

Have your own ThinkChange initiative or idea you would like a hand with getting started. We are here to help, email [email protected]