New survey records thousands of new cyclists hitting Melbourne roads

St Kilda Rd has lost its title as the city’s top route for cyclists riding into the heart of Melbourne. Is your city commute one of the busiest? SEE THE MAP

Commuters in Carlton. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Thousands of extra cyclists are flooding through busy arterials during peak-hour as the number of bikes on Melbourne roads continues to rise.

A count of morning commuters by the Bicycle Network has revealed cyclist traffic heading into the city has surged, with some corridors recording an 80 per cent increase in trips over five years.

There were 34,636 cyclists counted in the City of Melbourne area during the morning peak, with a 4 per cent increase across key locations since last year.

The Capital City Trail through Footscray is the most popular route, while busy routes through Flinders, Exhibition and La Trobe streets rank close behind.

St Kilda Rd lost its title as the city’s busiest for cyclists after major Metro Tunnel works and lane closures forced riders to use different routes.

Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said people were more likely to ride to work if they were separated from cars and could use bike lanes.

Busiest cycling routes and locations during Melbourne’s morning peak.

“The number one reason people ride a bike is because it’s convenient,” he said.

“The number one reason why they don’t is cars.

“When protected places to ride are provided people get on their bike.”

The busiest period for cyclists is 8.30am to 8.45am.

Almost a third of the riders - 29 per cent - recorded during the survey were female.

Cyclists on Royal Parade in Carlton, a popular route. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Royal Parade is one of the 10 busiest routes into Melbourne. Picture Andrew Tauber

It comes as Infrastructure Australia figures released this week revealed Victoria is playing catch up with its transport infrastructure and congestion was tipped to increase despite record levels of investment.

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“We’re just wasting too much time stuck in traffic,” Mr Richards said.

“Our population is going to keep increasing and the best way to make it easier for everyone to get around is to get more people on bikes.

“More people on bikes means less cars overall, which will still help those who must drive.”

In May, the City of Melbourne announced plans to scrap street car parks and build protected bike lanes along busy Exhibition St as it pushes to make more people walk or ride to work.

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