The Victorian Government will create jobs and make it easier and safer for people riding bikes to get around Melbourne as we head towards COVIDNormal.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll today announced 100 kilometers of new and improved cycling routes will be delivered across key inner-Melbourne suburbs to make it easier and safer for people cycling to and from the CBD.
With more people expected to use cars to get around, this $13 million investment will deliver pop-up lanes to help relieve congestion and provide an alternative to public transport for those living closer to the CBD.
Works will be delivered in the coming months and provide a boost to our economy, creating and supporting over 40 local jobs.
Planning for the routes is underway with signage, road markings and barriers used to create the pop-up improvements to cycle lanes, off-road paths and crossing points. The changes will improve travel options from inner-Melbourne areas such as Footscray, Northcote and St Kilda.
Local councils and community representatives will be consulted as the pop-up cycling routes are developed, ensuring they best fit local needs.
Victoria will also introduce mandatory minimum passing distances next year – improving cyclist safety and ensuring passing distance rules clear and consistent across state lines for all road users.
When introduced in 2021, the regulatory change would make it mandatory for motorists to give cyclists at least one metre clearance when overtaking on roads with speed limits up to 60km/h, and 1.5 metres on roads with speed limits above 60km/h.
Across Victoria, the $100 million TAC Safer Cyclists and Pedestrian Fund is also delivering 44 walking and cycling projects, in addition to more than 250 kilometres of cycling and walking paths in delivery, or committed for future delivery, as part of the government’s major transport infrastructure program.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way we move around Melbourne – that’s why we’re building over 100km of pop-up bike lanes, providing an alternative for shorter trips and making it easier and safer to get to and from the CBD.”
“We also know that giving people cycling that little bit of extra space can help us all get home safely – so we’re introducing minimum passing distances, to keep cars and cyclists safety apart and save lives on our roads.”
