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Mobility
RACV reveals cycling super-highway map
New research identifies priority bicycle routes for Melbourne.
RACV has identified a network of cycling routes across metropolitan Melbourne that it says should be prioritised for development to form a cycling ‘super-highway’ network.
The new research, commissioned by RACV, has pinpointed the 10 priority corridors from scores of potential cycling routes earmarked for development by the state government.
RACV senior planner Stuart Outhred says it is hoped that prioritising these key routes will help prompt the state government and local councils to move ahead with long-awaited plans to develop cycling infrastructure, to help ease congestion, alleviate overcrowded public transport and make it easier and safer for Melburnians to travel actively.
The shortlist of strategic cycling corridors would connect Melburnians to major activity centres like the CBD and surrounds, and includes Royal Parade and Sydney Road in the north, St Kilda Road in the south, Gardiners Creek in the east, and Mount Alexander Road and Flemington Road in the north-west.
A further seven priority routes include connections to Footscray, Sunshine, Williamstown, Port Melbourne and Surrey Hills.
Stuart says the new research overlays data including population, crash history, employment and school enrolments on cycle routes already identified by the state government.
“We know from previous research that 28 per cent of Victorians who don’t currently ride are open to cycling more but many people are discouraged because they are intimidated by cars and trucks, lack confidence or don’t think riding is convenient,” says Stuart.
“This inspired us to develop a realistic, safe and expedient bicycle network to not just get more Melburnians on their bikes but to encourage the government to fund bicycle infrastructure.”
Stuart says RACV has been advocating for safer bicycle infrastructure for several years, including championing changes on St Kilda Road and Sydney Road. However, despite an election commitment to improve the St Kilda Road corridor, there was still more to be done to improve the safety and convenience of cycling so it was seen by more people as a genuine method of transport.
“Investing in cycling in these corridors will deliver immense benefits for commuters seeking a safer, cheaper and more active way to get around, and reduce the growth in congestion on roads and public transport.”
The top 10 priority routes are:
- Chapel Street
- St Kilda Road
- Napier Street and St Georges Road in the north
- Canning Street, Carlton
- Flemington and Mount Alexander Roads
- A city loop including Park Street in the inner north
- Royal Parade and Sydney Road
- Gardiners Creek in the inner east
- New Street, Brighton
- St Kilda via Cecil Street
