Webinar: Encouraging active transport in regional areas

On 25 June 2025 iMOVE hosted a webinar looking at the progress of its Modelling cycling investments in regional areas, with participation from the Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria), RMIT University, and the City of Greater Bendigo. A recording of the webinar is available below.

Background

The Victorian government adopted a formal commitment of a 25% active travel modes target by 2030. Fast-tracking the development of the cycling network is a significant priority over the next seven years, and insights are needed to understand how to best achieve successful rollouts that maximise the benefits of this transport mode.

To address this gap the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning is partnering with RMIT and the City of Greater Bendigo to develop the Victoria Bicycle Simulation and Prioritisation Modelling tool using Bendigo as a case study.

The tool will combine spatial, infrastructure and safety data integration, demand forecasting and econometric scenario projections.

This webinar will give background and context to the project and update attendees on the progress to date in constructing the tool with the project due to complete mid-2026.

Topics and speakers

• “Why this project?” – Bruno Spandonide, Department of Transport and Planning, Associate Director, Transport Strategy (Hume, Lodden and Mallee)
• “City of Greater Bendigo: The local context” – Matthew Kerlin, Coordinator – Active Communities
• “Progress to date” – Dr Afshin Jafari, RMIT University

Webinar video

Click play on the video player below to watch the webinar recording.

For answers to the questions put forward by webinar attendees that could not be answered during the webinar, visit: Active transport in regional areas: Bonus expert Q&A.