Complex intersections, lower speed zones and dangerous cycling routes are key safety concerns for the 5000 motorists, bike riders, pedestrians and public transport users who responded to RACV’s My Melbourne Road survey.
The survey report highlights 10 key roads with safety concerns, which received the most feedback.
Pedestrian and bike rider safety were noted as primary concerns on three Strategic Cycling Corridors, suggesting that they are not yet safe enough for bike riders.
- Mount Alexander Road in Moonee Ponds was named for its confusing roundabouts, dangerous pedestrian crossings and lack of bike infrastructure.
- Sydney Road in Brunswick was on the list for its notoriously unsafe interactions as bike riders and pedestrians navigate motor vehicles and trams.
- St Kilda Road also made the list. While the bike lane project continues apace along this important boulevard, both drivers and bike riders noted confusion resulting from these significant upgrades
A public education campaign kicked off last month to guide road user response to the new St Kilda Road configuration, after the survey had closed.
The My Melbourne Road survey uses an interactive online map to ask drivers, pedestrians and bike riders to highlight trouble spots and issues affecting their ability to travel around the city safely.
Earlier this year, in response to troubling fatality figures, RACV invited Victorians to share their thoughts on road safety in Melbourne.
Bike riders and pedestrians, the most vulnerable types of road users, were the most highly represented in the feedback.
Overly complex intersections were the top safety issue reported and one third of respondents also called for lower speed zones on roads they used often. Driver behaviour, such as speeding and dangerous driving, was another key concern.
“The survey results suggest that unsafe driving was heightened in congested traffic," said RACV Head of Policy James Williams.
"These findings are a reminder that investment in road infrastructure is critical to improving safety and that motorists also need to drive safely and to the traffic conditions. Whether it’s driving at a safe speed, keeping a safe distance or not using a portable device while driving, we can all do our part to make our roads safer.”
According to the RACV, many of the issues raised in the survey could be addressed by low-cost and easy to implement solutions, such as zebra crossings and better-positioned traffic lights.
RACV now plans to share the survey results with governments and advocate for these and other types of road safety improvements.
The full publication is available for download here.