2. A high volume bicycle network
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The map lays out the plan for a high volume bike riding network centred on the CBD in Melbourne
Some of the routes on the metropolitan bike networks lead to the CBD. Up until now our bike networks – provided by VicRoads, Parks Victoria and local government – have not targeted peak hour congestion. Perhaps only Melbourne City’s network had the explicit aim of supporting bike commuting to the CBD.
Bike riders don’t really care who builds or maintains the route, they care that it works for them. For some people the existing routes can be made to work. To get a lot more people riding and to deliver a congestion busting result, we need to develop a purpose built commuting network that all state agencies and local governments can work towards.
The network will need the following features:
• A full set of radial routes complemented by some east-west and north-south routes. The map identifies the minimum number of routes that would allow everyone in the bike commuter catchment to get onto the bike network. Fewer routes would cut the number of riders we can deliver into the centre. (1)
• A 10-15km catchment. The rider catchment for a bike network in Australia is wider than in Europe. Based on Ride to Work data from around Australia, we know that the average novice bike commuter travels around 10km, or half an hour of riding. Keen riders will be able to commute from further out by riding feeder trails and connecting to the outer edge of the network. (2)
• Direct routes. Direct routes are essential to increasing usage. Some routes are already direct. We can make other routes more successful by making them more direct. The map shows where. (30, 31, 32)
• High quality routes. The better the route, the more riders it will attract. All routes must be wide, smooth and allow riders to maintain speed. They must be continuous – not dropping out at intersections or on difficult bits of trail. It should be obvious to riders, prospective riders and the general public where the routes are. The routes must feel, and be, low risk.
• On-road commuter routes need to be treated with the latest techniques including: separation, green paint and early start on the signals. (See Swanston St on the cover)
• Path based commuter routes need good sight lines and connections. There will be no bollards or protrusions. The amenity, landscaping, lighting and activity on a trail will mean that it feels okay riding home alone at night. (4)
