Scary bikes: real and perceived fears

We must recognise that in low cycling countries our fears have a large impact on our cycling behaviour and our instincts (feelings) are poorly tuned to the real risk of cycling. A positive experience (enjoyment) makes it more likely that we will cycle again. A mishap in the early stages will discourage further cycling. This is why good cycle infrastructure makes a difference, as it creates a forgiving environment to cycle.

The mystery of female cycling

Amongst children, boys and girls, the participation rate for cycling is the same, which is known as “parity”. Amongst women in the ACT, and typical for low cycling countries, men are much more likely to cycle than women. The question should be, perhaps, not why women cycle less, but rather why girls in adolescence stop cycling.

ACT Cycling: no change in a decade

The ACT Report, National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey 2021, now the responsibility of the Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ), confirms what we have long suspected. Cycling as a mode of transport has not increased in the ACT. In the last 10 years, there has been no statistical significant change in the cycling participation. What should we do differently.

ACT population growth until 2041

In the next 20 years, Canberra is expected to grow radically. The growth of Gungahlin is slowing but the Molonglo Valley has just begun.

Safe Speed: promoting safe walking and cycling by reducing traffic speed

Safer walking and cycling is most easily achieved by reducing traffic speed. We have known this for over a decade but do too little to curb road speeds. A remarkable report summarises the Australian cycling problem as we find it today: Dr Jan Garrard, Safe Speed: promoting safe walking and cycling by reducing traffic speed, Heart Foundation, City of Port Phillip and City of Yarra, Victoria, November 2008.

Political will comes before change

80% of Australians care about climate action but it does not change their vote. We know from this climate change example that support is not enough. The way people vote is not only about what is important but also what is most important. What does this tell us about cycling in the ACT?

Cycling facts from the Netherlands where cycling is common

Australia comes in last in this country comparison of bicycle use as a percentage of total number of trips. This will be uncomfortable for many Australians, but Australia is certainly a LOW cycling country. Much will need to be done to encourage cycling in Australia. Few ride in Australia, so it is worth looking at a country where they do.

2017 ACT Household Travel Survey: fact sheet

The fact sheet provides a quick introduction to the 2017 ACT Household Travel Survey and probably the best for most people: short and to the point and with nice graphs.

Section 3.5 Seasonal variations in cycling

Canberra has four seasons but do we change our cycling habits over the year? It would be good to know.

Section 3.4 Australian mode share by state from ABS data

The ABS Census includes data on how we get to work and where we live. ChartingTransport.com compares the trends in Australian cities over a long period from 1976 to 2016. The graphs for walking and cycling are shown in this post.