Urban researcher calls for more inclusive cycling plans to lure diverse groups

Transport plans that push gender stereotypes, such as the white, middle-aged male in Lycra, are a barrier to Melbourne becoming a more cycle-friendly city, a researcher says.

Protected bike lanes make cyclists feel safer. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Cycling by women and “non-binary” people is being held back due to transport plans that repeat gender stereotypes like white, middle-aged men riders in Lycra, says an urban researcher.

Town planner and Melbourne University student Elise Miller claims that while cycling participation has increased overall, there’s a significant shortfall in females taking part.

“This numbers-driven focus (by decision-makers) does not consider the direct relationship between transport and gender inequality,” she said.

Urban researcher Elise Miller claims that the needs of women and non-binary people are often ignored under council transport plans. Picture: Supplied

Ms Miller, self-described as an urbanist from Naarm — an Aboriginal name for Melbourne – analysed cycling and transport strategy documents from inner city councils including Melbourne, Maribyrnong, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra.

Ms Miller said a big concern was the lack of a demographic understanding of who was cycling in Melbourne.

“For instance, there was a limited understanding of cyclists age, gender, occupation, sexuality, and ethnicity,” she told the Herald Sun.

“Instances of community consultation were general, and did not consider the benefits of reaching out to women and gender-diverse individuals specifically. When gender was discussed, it was limited to the binary understanding of gender.”

Ms Miller found that most of the council documents perpetuated cycling gender stereotypes such as “images of caucasian men, often middle-aged and wearing compression cycling clothing”.

“The opportunity for cycling as a means of transport extends beyond exercise and recreation, as European cities have demonstrated its clear importance for transport and commuting to work,” she said.

Only a quarter of cyclists in inner Melbourne are women.

Ms Miller said a survey she conducted of about 450 people revealed issues with parental responsibilities.

“Many participants preferred cycling, however voiced that the fear for the children’s safety deterred them from cycling due to safety concerns and the absence of protected and connected cycling lanes,” she said.

Other findings included a big demand for protected bike lanes, and council plans rarely considering cycling benefits for older people.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council wanted to make it as safe and easy as possible for everyone accessing the city no matter the mode of travel.

“We’re looking at new ways to close the gender gap in cycling, supporting more women and gender diverse people to consider riding around Melbourne,” she said.

“Research shows women are more likely to ride if protected bike lanes exist – that’s one of the reasons we’re delivering new and upgraded bike lanes to boost safety across the municipality.”

In 2019, about a quarter of people riding bikes in the central city were women, which the council wants to increase to 40 per cent by 2030 and 50 per cent by 2040.