State Budget allocations are slipping behind what is needed to match growth rates in bike riding. This is very serious for the future of cycling in the state.
In Victoria, the Ballieu Government has decided to cut the funding for the State’s bike infrastructure investment, the VicRoads Bicycle Program, to zero. Some commitments from previous budgets are still trickling through.
The one year shutdown of the bike infrastructure program rips more than $20 million away from bike facilities investment. This amount is totally insignificant in the context of the $41 billion infrastructure budget.
I am at a complete loss as to explain why this has occurred. About 1.1 million Victorians ride a bike in some form or another each week. Victoria’s population is about 5.6 million people so we are talking 20% of the population. Given the majority of people who ride live in Melbourne, which has a population of 4.1 million people, we could be up to 27%.
Melbourne’s population is set to grow from 4.1 million people to 5.4 million people over the next 20 years with Victoria growing from 5.6 million people to 7.3 million over the same period.
Something is certainly amiss here. Transport congestion is already a problem across Melbourne and I think most people would agree that our roads are close to capacity in peak traffic times. Congestion is a major focus of the State Government yet on balance this does not appear to be the case. The reality is that population growth is outstripping road and rail (including trams) capabilities.
The number of people riding bikes could potentially be much higher, if appropriate funding is put in place with a view to increasing rider safety.
I don’t buy into the motorist versus cyclist debate because an us versus them is not the right way forward. Most cyclists also own cars.
What I will say is that when a driver of a car nearly misses a cyclist, it is just that, a near miss. For the cyclist it can be a near death experience. I ride anywhere from 200-400km in a week. My biggest concern when I am riding is not the cars behind me as it is someone opening their car door. If I had to go for the lesser of two evils I will take getting clipped by a car from behind any day of the week as first of all the cars behind can actually see me and secondly momentum will generally dictate that I am propelled forward (hopefully not under the car).
If a door opens and I am rolling at a ‘cruising’ speed of 30km an hour it is like running into a brick wall.
The benefits of appropriate funding also address a lot of other issues that cycling helps ease including health and also a reduction in pollution. Surely the State Government can find a measly $20 million. The benefits must far outweigh any negatives – and I am still waiting to hear what these are!
I take my hat off to Bicycle Network Victoria for really driving the budget cuts. I encourage all cyclists to ‘vote’ with their cleats on Thursday 21 June at the Zero-Budget Bike Rally on Parliament steps from 7:30-8:30am.
Until next time – clip in!
Bones506
Roar Guru
Good write up Jordan. I think it is an excellent idea.
Jordan
Guest
I've wrote an article about a "bike freeway" running along the Hurstbridge train line that would provide an efficient means of travel for cyclists. Please comment on it and let me know what you think as Im very passionate in the idea. http://imaginemelbourne.com/show_article/293/bike_freeway_strategy_for_the_north_east.html
Bones506
Roar Guru
Thanks Roger. Whilst I will focus much of my time on the Pro Racing, esp the sprinters, I will also cover these kinds of things and the Roar team have been nothing but supportive for which I am greatly appreciative of. I will def be there and will cover the event.
Roger
Guest
This is an important event for all of us who cycle and it's nice to see The Roar publicising this. I will be there to support the rally and I do hope our message is heard.
hamleyn
Roar Guru
Couldn't agree with you more. $20 million is nothing compared to how much we spend on infrastructure in Victoria. More to the point, the government is only looking about 5-10 years into the future, instead of 30-50, where they should be looking. At some point, petrol is going to become to expensive to be a viable fuel option and I don't think electric cars have evolved enough yet to produce a viable alternative. Hence, building massive freeways, tunnels and bridges is completely pointless. Instead, they should be pouring money into public transport in Melbourne (which is an abomination in itself) as well as try to encourage more people to get out on their bikes. Ted Bailieu and Robert Doyle had this grand idea of turning Melbourne into the cycling capital of the world. That's something you need to invest in, not to hope for.
DanMan
Guest
Not good news - However here in Perth there was an announcement recently that 10mil was being allocated to upgrade roads for cyclists etc and another 10mil for our freeway. Both BADLY needed. My biggest fear is cars coming the other way turning right cutting me off - generally if im on a busy road i try to go pretty hard so the cars have more time to see me and there is less speed differential but if they come across from head on - ouch! As a driver though nothing annoys me more than when 2 or more cyclists are abreast taking up a whole lane wobbling here and there completely unaware of the traffic situation behind them. Common sense is missing from both parties at times