Bicycle Network wants to slow speed limit to 30km/h around Melbourne

SPEED LIMITS on city streets and major approaches would be slashed to 30km/h to reduce risks to cyclists under a radical congestion busting plan.

SPEEDS across the city would be slashed to 30km/h and cyclists would be allowed on footpaths under a plan to get more people onto bikes.

The go-slow streets identified, some where speeds would be halved, include St Kilda Rd, Royal Parade, Victoria St, Brunswick St and Footscray Rd.

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But the plan has brewed up a road war and critics have slammed the proposal as “concerning”, saying elderly pedestrians and young children should not have to walk the gauntlet of bikes.

Peak cycling body Bicycle Network wants VicRoads to consider the radical measures

as a congestion-busting plan to solve Melbourne’s growing pains.

Cyclists want the 30km/h limit to apply to all local roads, the CBD grid, and major approach routes to the city.

Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said the difference in impact between a car hitting a cyclist at 60km/h and 30km/h increases the chance of survival from 10 per cent to 90 per cent.

Speeds across the city would be slashed to 30km/h and cyclists would be allowed on footpaths under a plan to get more people onto bikes. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We believe 30km/h is the magical speed limit,” Mr Richards said.

“If cars and cyclists are travelling at the same speed bike riders feel much more comfortable.

“We want a liveable city where bikes and walking are prioritised and cars barrelling down at 60km/h do not encourage safe riding.”

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said there was no need to drop the speed below 40km/h.

“Since we lowered the speed limit to 40km/h throughout the CBD grid, I’m pleased to say that we have not had a single road related death,” Cr Doyle said.

Dave Jones, RACV Roads and Traffic Manager, said it was against lower speed limits.

“The RACV believes Melbourne’s CBD should remain consistent with statewide speed restrictions — 40km/h zones are used across the state in areas with high pedestrian activity and where workers are on roads,” Mr Jones said.

Cyclists also want laws changed to allow people of all ages to ride bicycles on footpaths.

In Victoria only children up to 12 can ride on a footpath with a supervising adult.

Mr Richards said Victoria and NSW were the only states that did not allow footpath riding for all.

Since lowering the speed limit to 40km/h throughout the CBD grid there has not been a single road related death. Picture: Mark Wilson

“It would encourage more people to ride in places where the road is too dangerous,” he said.

While some people might be worried about speeding cyclists on footpaths,” Mr Richards said serious riders would choose to ride on the road.

Victoria Walks chief executive Ben Rossiter said the shared footpath proposal was “very concerning”.

“It is paramount that people feel safe when walking on footpaths without having to worry about being hit by a cyclist,” Dr Rossiter said.

“The footpaths in the CBD don’t have enough room for all the walkers, let alone bikes as well.”

VicRoads said it had no plans to reduce the speed and did not support adult cyclists using footpaths.

@AndyJeffo