7. The challenge
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There are a number of threats to this vision
The ideas we are putting forward are practical and obvious. This plan may seem to some like a no-brainer – an easy option that is worth taking no matter what else we do. We think so too. However, we should not underestimate the difficulties we will face getting it adopted. Here are some of the challenges we anticipate. We will have to:
- Build support from other users of the transport system. There are significant benefits for public transport operators, freight movers and car drivers from reduced congestion through an increase in bike riding. We will also need the support of people who prefer other modes.
- Support people-past-a-point as the measurement of traffic and effectiveness of a route rather than motor vehicle capacity. We can only tackle congestion when we know the overall performance of the routes into town and how many people are getting to the CBD down each route by each mode.
- Convince the government to invest. Critics will say the funds are better spent elsewhere. In bike riding terms the commuter network will not be cheap but in ‘cost benefit’ terms bike riding is better than or equal to other transport investments, and has many added benefits including health, air quality and reducing emissions.
- Use our influence to develop a coordinated approach from government. For this project to succeed, we will need State agencies and departments and local government to contribute to the common goal. We will need to help develop cross disciplinary coordination and cooperation from many varied areas of responsibility such as major infrastructure, public transport operations, road management, urban design, recreation and parkland.
- Support people-past-a-point as the measurement of traffic and effectiveness of a route rather than motor vehicle capacity. We can only tackle congestion when we know the overall performance of the routes into town and how many people are getting to the CBD down each route by each mode.
- Defend the existing and future network and routes. Some planners in government say the current network is no good and bike riding should all be on paths. They say we don’t need direct routes. To tackle congestion, the network is going to have to be separated from traffic as much as possible and must be able to offer a competitive time door to door.
- Stop our space being allocated to other users. We need space to deliver the bike riding benefit. Other modes have their arguments for road space. As the mode that can deliver the most people for the cheapest price, bike riding has a good case for being allocated space.
- Work intensively to improve each metre of each route. Opposition to improvements to bike routes comes from many quarters. We have to mount a convincing case with elected representatives at all levels of government, professionals in planning, traffic management, heritage, urban design and other ‘city’ disciplines. The severity of future congestion and the benefits of increased bike riding are powerful arguments in our favour.