Safe roads for cyclists: an investigation of Australian and Dutch approaches

Internationally, separated cycling infrastructure and low motor vehicle speeds are foundation elements to a safe cycling environment. Specifically, the approach to creating space for cyclists in the Netherlands is accepted as best practice and has directly contributed to the high cycling mode share. This study was a comparison of cycling guidelines in Australia and the Netherlands and case studies of two access routes to Monash University in suburban Melbourne. Key differences were identified in relation to design guidelines for priority in local street, mid-block road segment on arterial roads and intersections. While the Australian guidelines took an overarching principle of separation, the Dutch approach requires separation between cyclists and motor vehicles in most cases. Case study routes were partially compliant with the Australian guidelines with lower compliance in accordance with the Dutch specifications.