Bicycle Victoria has launched a toolbox that aims to put an end to poorly designed roundabouts on local streets by giving alternatives that are safer for cyclists and walkers. In Victoria, more than five per cent of bicycle injuries and deaths occur at roundabouts even though they make up only a small percentage of total intersections.
Port Phillip Council Mayor, Dick Gross, said it is important that cyclists and walkers feel safe on our local streets.
The tool box, Better Local Traffic Controls for Safer Cycling and Walking, has been created to help traffic engineers design local streets that safely mix bicycles and cars and manage transitions between mixed and separate traffic.
General Manager Bicycle Victoria, Harry Barber, said the response from engineers to the toolbox had already been strong.
“For the first time in Victoria there is now a practical kit that allows engineers to design traffic management systems that really do calm the traffic,” Harry Barber said. “A key part of safer and more liveable local streets is reducing vehicle speeds to a human scale. If this can’t be done then specific provision needs to be made for cyclists and adequate crossing opportunities provided for pedestrians. The design of local streets is critical to the health of residents and the quality of life in our cities. A well designed street encourages walking and cycling by making it easy and safe to get around on foot or by bicycle.”
For further information contact Harry Barber on (03) 9818 6339.
