Bike It Baw Baw: Cyclist Safety Issues in the Baw Baw Shire

Monash University Accident Research Centre - Report #310 [2012]

Authors: Johnson, M. & Le, J.

Abstract:

The aim of the study was to identify the issues in Baw Baw Shire in Gippsland, Victoria, related to the safety of on-road cyclists. The study was conducted in three stages, a review of the literature, an analysis of existing data from residents of the Baw Baw Shire area and an online survey. The key safety concerns identified were; 1) poor road surfaces including potholes, unsealed shoulders, 2) driver behaviour, attitude, impatience, aggression, and 3) lack of cycling facilities.

Most survey respondents had a driver’s licence and responses were mainly grouped into cyclist, (frequent cyclists) and drivers (infrequent/non-cyclists). Compared to drivers, cyclists were more likely to respond favourably to sharing the road with cyclists while driving, had more knowledge of cycling-related road rules and were more likely to report a positive attitude towards cyclists.

Safety concerns specific to the Baw Baw Shire are identified and potential countermeasures that may improve cyclist safety are discussed.

Sponsoring organisations - This project was funded by the Baw Baw Shire Council through a research grant received from the Transport Accident Commission