BikeSpot reveals best, worst spots for cyclists in Geelong region

Geelong’s CBD is home to the top spot cyclists feel unsafe in the region, according to a crowdsourcing project. SEE THE LIST.

The spot that feels most unsafe to ride a bike in the region is in Geelong’s CBD, according to a cycling crowdsourcing project.

The Amy Gillett Foundation and CrowdSpot have released the interim results from BikeSpot, revealing the best and worst places to ride a bicycle in Victoria.

Cyclists felt most unsafe at Gheringhap St, near the corner of Little Malop St, which is described as having a “very good bike lane” that “just vanishes”.

This was followed by the Moorabool St/Barrabool Rd/Barwon Heads Rd intersection in Belmont.

Meanwhile Malop St, with a separated bike lane, was deemed the safest spot in Greater Geelong, and the Kilgour St separated crossing, near Gheringhap St, came in second.

Cycling Geelong secretary Ian Campbell said he believed cycling infrastructure in Geelong was “improving significantly”.

Mr Campbell, who lives in Highton, said the group often reported hazards to the city.

He said one of Cycling Geelong’s members spent 12 weeks in hospital after being hit by a car on Latrobe Terrace about a year ago.

He said safety was an “absolute priority” and the BikeSpot project was a “great idea”.

“The more we talk about and promote safety the better really, particularly among drivers,” he said.

“I try to be as visible as possible but at times I think drivers just do not see cyclists.

“Cyclists have a responsibility to be as visible as possible.”

The Amy Gillett Foundation and CrowdSpot are urging bike riders to make their mark at bikespot.org.

Lack of bike infrastructure and dangerous intersections are the most common reasons why people feel unsafe riding their bike on certain roads.

The interactive map allows people to identify where they feel safe or unsafe riding their bike.

The interim data for Victoria is based on more than 10,000 public submissions since mid-October.

Data will continue being collected until January, before being de-identified and made public.

CrowdSpot director Anthony Aisenberg said safety concerns were known as a major barrier for people getting on their bikes.

“The BikeSpot map allows everyone to share where they feel safe or unsafe riding their bike,” he said.

“This data complements historical crash statistics as it gives everyone insights into the safety-related experiences of existing riders.

“The data generated will be made publicly available so that decision-makers can make better data-driven decisions.”

The aim of the project is to develop insights into perceived safe and unsafe cycling locations and contribute to prioritising future cycling infrastructure improvements.

Originally published as BikeSpot reveals best, worst spots for cyclists in Geelong region