RACV welcomes Infrastructure Australia's (IA) announcement that its submission for a network of cycling superhighways across Melbourne has been listed as a Priority Initiative for 2020.
As part of its lobbying of the State Government and local councils to build safer infrastructure for cyclists, RACV developed a shortlist of 17 strategic cycling corridors across metropolitan Melbourne.
Designed to connect Melburnians to major activity centres like the CBD and surrounds, the 17 RACV identified cycling superhighways include Chapel Street and St Kilda Road, the two highest priority corridors, as well as Napier Street – St Georges Road in the north.
The RACV submission was one of only two new projects in Victoria endorsed as a Priority Initiative in IA's Infrastructure Priority List, released today.
RACV's Senior Planner of Mobility Futures, Stuart Outhred, said today's IA announcement demonstrates the importance of this project for Melbourne's transport landscape.
"We're thrilled the nation's independent infrastructure advisor, IA, endorsed RACV's cycling superhighway network in its Infrastructure Priority List for 2020. We are now calling on all levels of government to work together to heed the call from IA and build cycling infrastructure that will get Melbourne moving again," Mr Outhred said.
"RACV submitted five key transport priorities for Victoria to IA's Infrastructure Priority List, which focused on preparing the state for the population boom and the associated pressures on the transport network. They included the Metro 2 rail project, safety upgrades on regional roads, as well as road and rail projects in outer Melbourne."
Mr Outhred added RACV has been advocating safer bicycle infrastructure for several years, with commuters requiring greater choice in how they get around the city.
"These priority corridors deserve more than just paint – we want to see high-quality, separate infrastructure that makes everyone feel safe and comfortable when riding," said Mr Outhred.
"Investing in these corridors will deliver immense benefits for commuters wanting safer, cheaper and healthier ways of getting around, as well as the added benefits of reducing congestion on roads and pressure on public transport."
The full research from 2019 can be accessed here. RACV's list of the top 10 cycling superhighways include:
- Chapel Street
- St Kilda Road
- Napier Street - St Georges Road
- Canning Street
- Flemington Road - Mt Alexander Road
- Loop (Park Street)
- Royal Parade - Sydney Road
- Gardiners Creek - Yarra Bend
- New Street
- Cecil Street - Albert Park
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