Melbourne City Council has proposed widening the network of bicycle lanes throughout the CBD.
The Chairperson of Melbourne’s transport portfolio has urged motorists not view the proposed Princes Bridge cycling lane as an “anti-car” measure.
“It’s all a part of the one transport strategy” said Councillor Cathy Oke, “increasing safety for cyclists is also increasing safety for pedestrians and cars.”
The plan to transform one lane of the Princes Bridge into a cycling only lane was met with anger by motorists and the RACV.
The Princes Bridge renovation is just one initiative proposed in City of Melbourne’s Bicycle Plan 2012-2016 aiming to create a safe integrated transport system for all road users.
“Cycling is definitely an issue in point where too often there is a negative reaction as to why cities are installing a safer cycling infrastructure” said Cr Oke
“The benefits are huge for the city, it’s not just about cyclists and increasing sustainable transport and a healthier transport mode; it’s about creating safety for everyone.”
Dr Marilyn Johnson, a researcher for the Monash University Transport Studies Institute and the Amy Gillett Foundation, believes that building safer roads is only part of the solution.
“Drivers aren’t really taught in Australia how to interact with cyclists” said Dr Johnson.
“We as a community need to take more responsibility and include interacting with cyclists in our driver license testing.”
Research says creating a safer cycling environment can only be done by addressing Melbourne’s road system as a whole, through the Safe Systems Approach.
In Australia the Safe Systems Approach to road safety has been adopted by all states and territories.
It lists four key areas to be addressed in relation to any road user:
–safe road use (behaviour)
–safe roads and roadsides (infrastructure)
–safe speeds
–safer vehicles
“Whether it is environmental, economic or health, just about every different aspect of our community will benefit from people being on their bikes.” Dr Johnson said
A 2011 study revealed cyclists make up 18% of people seriously injured on our road but only 11.2% of road incidents involving cyclists are reported to Police.
“18% is unacceptably high when it is such a small number of people who are on the road on their bikes” said Dr Johnson
Figures comparing police reports and hospital presentation data indicate cyclists are unlikely to report low level road accidents to Police unless there is property damage.
“The under-reporting of cyclists crashes is a really big issue in terms of understanding how widespread cyclist crashes actually are” said Dr Johnson.
Both Dr Johnson and Cr Oke agree creating a safe road environment is about all parties being responsible and alert on the road.
“It’s not just about cyclists being safe on separated roads it’s about everyone being mindful of their using road space” said Cr Oke.
Vox Pops
“Do you feels safe riding on road with the infrastructure currently in place?”
“How do you think road conditions could be improved?”
Have your say and comment below.
Maria, 19, Brunswick
“No, I don’t feel safe at all, I used to ride to work, but I felt too uncomfortable with the narrow roads to ride alongside the cars.”
“Drivers should pay attention to cyclists and respect their cycling paths. However, I think the best solution would be creating bike paths where possible off the road, similar to the Netherlands where cyclists have their own pathways.”
Emma, 23, Northcote
“I feel safe riding on particular roads, only really roads with a clearly marked bike line separate from parked cars and moving cars. I try to only ride on these roads where possible or through park bike paths.”
“The public need to see cyclists as a legitimate alternative to drivers who are welcome on the roads, they shouldn’t be seen as annoying obstacles. Sharing the road and the inclusion of better bike paths would help improve safety.”
