2019-09-12
A VicRoads report obtained by community advocacy group Streets Alive Yarra has confirmed that protected bike lanes will increase the safety of all road users.
The report recommends Option 3 as the safest way forward for Sydney Road, which would build protected bike lanes and raised tram stops, and the removal of car parking spaces.
Member for Brunswick, Dr Tim Read, said the report confirmed that protected bike lanes were needed along Sydney Road and that if the Government ultimately decided against installing them, it would be dangerous for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians alike.
A survey commissioned by Read earlier this year found that one in five Brunswick cyclists had witnessed a rider being hit by a car on Sydney Road.
Nearly all riders surveyed – more than 80 per cent said they would ride more often along Sydney Road if there were protected bike lanes.
Quotes attributable to Member for Brunswick, Dr Tim Read:
“We now know the safest option for every road user on Sydney Road involves protected bike lanes. It’s high time we built them.
“Sydney Road is consistently one of Melbourne’s deadliest areas for pedestrians and people on bikes, yet there are some who would rather nothing changes at all.
“These days many inner-city residents are realising the benefits of riding bikes, and after decades of being second-class citizens it’s time they got an equal slice of the infrastructure pie.”