#19 Safe Cycling Networks

Recommendation #15 in Victoria’s draft 30-year infrastructure strategy (2025-2055) is to ‘Build safe cycling networks in Melbourne and regional cities’. Current Victorian programs directly related to this objective are ongoing, including Strategic Cycling Corridors (SCCs) as part of the Principal Bicycle Network (PBN). Also related is the plan for safer local streets, which together with safe cycling networks seek to encourage cycling and other active travel options.

Research indicates that cycling currently accounts for less than 2% of short trips (<5km) in Melbourne, and that safety concerns are a key inhibitor for many potential riders. These concerns can be alleviated substantially through the realisation of safe cycling networks. A Monash University study suggests that three quarters of people may consider cycling if a separated bicycle lane were available.

Road safety benefits

The safety concerns regarding cycling are not unwarranted, with a significant proportion of reported crashes (up to 25%) in Australia apparently involving a cyclist. Transforming the network to provide greater connection, integration, continuity and separation for cyclists on high quality surfaces helps not only to encourage more active travel but reduces the likelihood of bicycle collisions involving other vehicles.    

With much of Victoria’s current cycling network considered to be of poor quality, a strategic long-term approach is needed to upgrade the relevant infrastructure. Identification of cyclist injury blackspots and travel demand criteria can help to prioritise the selection of specific sites and network segments for treatment. The 30-year strategy identifies an immediate need for 10 bicycle corridors in Melbourne, and corridor networks in 6 regional cities.

The research also shows that lower speed limits have little effect on car travel times. 30km/h speed limits on local streets have already been introduced in some inner Melbourne suburbs.

Environmental and other benefits

Better cycling infrastructure encourages more active travel, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved community health and fitness. It is estimated that as many as 40,000 car trips could be replaced by cycle trips in Victoria through the suggested infrastructure improvements. This would help to alleviate congestion and reduce travel delays for motorists.

Together with expected safety benefits, an overall benefit-cost ratio of 5:1 is estimated for improvements to cycling infrastructure.