Riding a bike is good for health, the planet and connecting people to places for work and play. Despite this, bike riding participation in Victoria is low.
To inform planning and practice, there is a need to understand the number of people that are interested in riding a bike, and how this varies across regions.
In late 2020, VicHealth and Monash University conducted a study of over 4000 people across 37 local government areas (LGA) in Victoria to understand how many people were interested in riding a bike. Based on survey results, respondents were categorised according to their comfort in various environments. Participants were classified as either:
- Strong and Fearless,
- Enthused and Confident,
- Interested but Concerned, or
- No Way No How.
Overall, Monash University found that 78% of people were Interested but Concerned, meaning they were interested in riding a bike, but only where they are separated from traffic (such as protected bike lanes, or off-road paths).
Read the full report here
Results show the potential to increase the number of people who ride, but improved bike riding infrastructure is needed.
These findings are important in considering the role that protected bike lanes and off-road paths can play in increasing bike riding amongst Victorians.
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This work was conducted by the Sustainable Mobility and Safety Research Group in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University.
References: Pearson L.K, Beck B, Dipnall J, Gabbe B.J, Braaf S, White S & Backhouse M (2020) Cycling Typologies in Victoria, Monash University.
