Cycling survey draws big response as riders have their say on safety

The state government has received about 10,000 responses to an online survey about cyclist road rules and safety issues.

The survey response exceeded the government’s expectation by tenfold, Roads Minister Terry Mulder said last week.

“VicRoads had anticipated a few hundred people would participate in the survey, but the response has been overwhelming,” Mr Mulder said.

“This remarkable response just goes to show that riders, drivers, pedestrians and motorcyclists are keen to put forward their views on issues related to cycling.”

Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said a surge in riders on Victoria’s roads prompted the survey.

“We know there are issues on our roads between cyclists and drivers because people are not sure who is in the right,” Mr Richards said. “We believe this is partly caused by a lack of understanding and knowledge, by both groups.”

Mr Mulder said the government had committed to a review of cycling-related road rules and legislation as part of Victoria’s Road Safety Action Plan 2013-16 and Victoria’s cycling strategy, Cycling Into The Future 2013-23.

The online survey, which closed on Sunday, is the final component of a wider review into cycling-related road rules, from which a report will be produced by the end of the year.

“Cycling is becoming increasingly popular so we need to make sure that when cyclists use our roads they are safe,” Mr Mulder said.