Bicycle Network Victoria: Better Transport

A new legislative framework for transport in Victoria

The State Government has released a policy statement (July 2009) that identifies a proposed new Walking and Cycling Act with associated Regulations.

From Page 55

Discrete reforms that are being undertaken in 2009-2010 include:
• The Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill
• A review of marine safety laws, and
• A review of legislation to support cycling and walking

...

Continuing the government’s reform agenda for integrated and sustainable transport, cycling and walking have been identified as key elements to be recognised in the legislative structure for transport work will start in 2009 to review current approaches and investigate legislative options to facilitate cycling and walking, giving further prominence to the role of these modes in our transport system.

The document considers a number of benefits of bike riding in the transport system including disease prevention through increased physical activity, economic efficiency and environmental impact. See below:

From Page 25

Promoting forms of transport with the lowest environmental impact
Changing travel from emissions intensive modes such as single occupant cars, to public transport car pooling, walking and cycling will reduce environmental impacts without reducing access to economic and social opportunities. Walking and cycling have the lowest environmental impacts, producing no air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions. With approximately 60 per cent of journeys being less than five kilometres, there is significant potential to improve the share of walking and cycling for local journeys

Promoting travel planning and behaviour change programs in businesses, schools and communities provides households with the tools to make transport choices which have lower environmental impacts. Planning and providing for low emission modes in the transport network is a significant area for innovation – for example, providing signalling and allocating sufficient road space for public transport priority, cycling lanes and pedestrian access can encourage uptake of these modes.

New framework

Case Study: Walking and cycling
More Victorians are choosing walking and cycling for local and commuter journeys. Between 2001 and 2006 the number of people cycling to work increased by 63 per cent within the City of Melbourne and its nine surrounding municipalities. It is estimated that up to 15,000 more commuters could be encouraged to walk or cycle to destinations in the inner Melbourne area, which is equivalent to 12,000 cars, 110 trams or 19 trains. The government recognises the substantial social and environmental benefits of these modes and is committed to further increasing the numbers of people who walk and cycle. The Victorian Transport Plan committed $115 million to increase safety and connectivity of walking and cycling paths, support a public bike hire scheme and enhance rail trails. The government also released The Victorian Cycling Strategy in March 2009, which sets out a 12-year blueprint to promote cycling as a safe, appealing, mainstream transport choice for a large number of trips among a wide range of people. The strategy is based on five strategic directions: build networks to connect communities; promote and encourage a culture of cycling; reduce conflicts and risks for cyclists; integrate cycling with public transport; and integrate cycling needs with land use planning and the built environment.