RAC cycling survey results revealed
22 August 2011
The RAC has called for motorists and cyclists to work together to make the roads safer for all road users.
The results of the RAC cycling survey showed that 91 per cent of respondents highlighted their fear of sharing the road as one of the major barriers to cycling in Western Australia.
The survey, which attracted 2,800 responses, also showed cyclists are demanding greater investment to lift the quality and reach of the cycle route network to improve safety.
RAC Head of Advocacy Matt Brown said the survey should be used to break through the psychological barriers between motorists and cyclists on the issue of safety.
"As the State's leading independent road safety advocate we see both sides of the story," Mr Brown said. "Some motorists tell us it's all the cyclist's fault; while cyclists tell us it's all the motorist's fault.
"This survey is telling us that cyclists simply don't feel safe on our roads and it's about time we worked together to fix the problems.
"With both our population and our economy growing strongly, the fact is we are going to see more cyclists, more cars and more trucks on our roads.
"We need to drop the old prejudices and start thinking creatively about how we keep cyclists safe on our roads."
More funding required for cycling infrastructure
The other main concerns facing riders in WA include a lack of cycle routes and a lack of end trip facilities such as bicycle lockers, secure parking areas and changing rooms.
Mr Brown said cycling is becoming increasingly popular with between 10,000 and 13,000 cyclists riding into the city every weekday during summer and spring.
"The government needs to lift its investment on cycling infrastructure, particularly on key routes into the city," Mr Brown said.
Funding made available to Western Australia's local governments for cycling specific projects was just $1.75m in 2010/2011, whist cycling investment on Western Australia's State roads totalled $3.5m in 2010/2011, a significant reduction on the previous year's allocation of $12.1m.
Mr Brown said it was important that the Government recognised the increase in the number of cyclists in WA, and the issues they faced, by improving and investing in the cycling specific infrastructure.
"The Department of Transport has been preparing a new strategic plan for cycling and it is due to be released for comment this year.
"The plan will need to be supported by a substantial increase in funding by the State Government."
Cyclists highlighted the main arterial routes into the city, the CBD area and along the railway lines as areas of high priority for government funding to make cycling safer and more accessible.
The survey reflected the increased popularity of cycling with nearly 90 per cent of participants saying they ride daily or weekly.
The main reasons respondents choose to cycle is for fitness, for recreation, to commute to work and due to the positive environmental impact.
RAC cycling survey results:
- 57% rate Perth's cycle network as average or below
- 91% of cyclists fear sharing the road with motorists
- 31% say the social acceptability/status of cycling is a barrier to them cycling
- 35% believe the government should build more cycle lanes on roads
- 27% would like to see more bike/shared paths built
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