Vic Gov’s active transport policy slammed for ‘going backwards’ as pedestrian deaths surge 50 per cent

The state’s pedestrian death toll has reached alarming levels with 24 killed already this year, prompting calls for the government to finally deliver its Walking Strategy — now five years overdue.

The state’s pedestrian death toll is at alarming levels prompting calls for the state government to act on its so-called active transport policy.

The number of statewide walker fatalities has reached 24 — a 50 per cent spike on this time last year, with older people heavily over-represented.

Pedestrian lobby group Victoria Walks said the government promised a Walking Strategy five years — and three ministers — ago but nothing had happened.

“We’re effectively going backwards,’’ the organisation’s executive officer Ben Rossiter said.

“The Premier has a vision for active transport but the rest of the government is blind to it as there is no perceivable progress on a walking strategy.’’

Older walkers are over-represented in the Victorian road toll.

Dr Rossiter said the high number of older pedestrians killed was a cause of concern.

Of the 24 victims this year, 14 were over the age of 60 including 10 over 70 years. And most deaths – 20 – were in metropolitan Melbourne.

This year nine more pedestrians have died compared to the same time last year.

“The pedestrian toll is high and it’s slowly climbing up and older walkers are over-represented,’’ Dr Rossiter said.

“We’d like to build walkable communities where older people can be happy and safe and feel connected.’’

Even the state government’s website for Walking And Cycling is dominated by two-wheeled initiatives such as bicycle lanes. And walking is only mentioned when shared (with bikes) paths are mentioned.

Dr Rossiter said a recent ClimateWorks report confirmed that more ambitious targets for walking were required in the future, for personal health and community liveability.

The report called for 35 per cent of car trips to be replaced by public or active transport by 2040.

Dr Ben Rossiter of Victorian Walks wants to the government to deliver on its promised Walking Strategy.

Only one in five children walks to school, Dr Rossiter said, which meant the drive to school also added to higher costs of living.

A spokesperson said the government recognised the importance of improving active transport connections for Victorian communities.

“Which is why we have delivered 320km of new and upgraded paths and lanes across the state.”

“The Department of Transport and Planning is leading development of a strategy for walkable communities.”

The department is believed to be consulting with stakeholders on the strategy for walkable communities.

Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy contains a target of 25 per cent of trips to be made by foot or bicycle by 2030.

The alarming number of pedestrian deaths follows warnings about the rise in the number of motorcyclist deaths across Victoria.

Victorian Police launched Operation Kickstand on June 27 after the death of 35 riders. Since then another two motorcyclists have died, including a male rider who crashed on Napier St, Essendon, last Tuesday morning.