Pedestrians, along with cyclists and motorcyclists, are most at risk of injury and death when involved in a collision on the roads. In a crash, pedestrians are four times more likely to be injured than those in a vehicle.
Bicycle Network
A coalition of 13 walking, bike riding, transport, health and research groups are urging the Victorian Government to make it easier for people to walk and ride as more Victorians return to working onsite.
The coalition has released the Streets are for everyone consensus statement, which outlines three clear and practical steps needed to create vibrant, active and connected communities in a COVID-normal Victoria.
The statement found by walking or bike riding instead of driving by car an average Melbournian family could save up to $80 per day.
Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Senior Manager Transport, Planning and Infrastructure, Peter Kartsidimas said that last year highlighted the different mobility options available for Victorians.
Cyclists should pay a fee to be registered and licensed and be banished from footpaths and arterial roads because they are a danger to themselves and pedestrians. The massive pandemic-led surge in cyclists on our roads has sparked fresh calls for bike riders to be more accountable. It may well signal the end of the MAMIL (middle aged men in lycra). Many are saying enough is enough. If it s good enough for those getting around on motorised scooters to be registered - they too don t lack anything in the aggression stakes - cyclists should now be subject to the same laws as vehicle users.
Push for 30 and 40km/h limit on all Victorian streets Alex Rae
A healthy walking advocate charity, Victoria Walks, is
campaigningto introduce reduced speed limits across Victoria and the widening of current school zones.
The key targets are shifting the current 50km/h speed limit on local streets down to 40km/h, and from 40km/h to 30km/h in busy pedestrian areas , such as shopping strips.
The group states that there is research showing two-thirds of all Victorians want lower speed limits on local streets:
“We know 66 per cent of Victorians support lower speed limits in neighbourhood streets” says Executive Officer of Victoria Walks, Ben Rossiter. This would make it safer to walk to schools, shops and public transport”.