Imagine a city where cyclists feel safe, stress-free, and empowered to ride without fear of speeding cars. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, groundbreaking research suggests this could be a reality—and it’s as simple as lowering speed limits from 50km/h to 30km/h in residential areas. But here’s where it gets controversial: while this change could save lives and transform urban mobility, it’s met with resistance from those who fear it’ll slow down daily commutes. So, what’s the truth? Let’s dive in.
A recent study by researchers at RMIT University analyzed traffic stress levels across greater Melbourne and modeled the impact of reduced speed limits on both cyclists and drivers. The findings? Lowering speeds to 30km/h in residential zones doubled the amount of bike travel on low-stress streets, creating a safer environment for everyone—especially children and less confident riders. Dr. Afshin Jafari, the study’s lead researcher, explains, “When traffic slows down, cycling becomes less intimidating, encouraging more people to choose bikes as a practical and secure way to get around.”
And this is the part most people miss: the study also found that car travel was barely affected by the 30km/h limit. Why? Because it was only applied to local streets, not the major roads or highways designed for faster traffic flow. Published in Cycling and Micromobility Research, the study highlights how this small change could make a big difference without disrupting daily commutes.
But why does this matter? In Australia, cycling rates are shockingly low—just 2% of trips to work—and haven’t budged in two decades, despite government efforts. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are flooded with short car trips (under 5km) that could easily be replaced by cycling. For example, Greater Sydney sees over 6 million daily trips under 5km, with more than 2 million of those being less than 2km. In Melbourne, over half of non-work trips are a ‘bikeable distance’ of under 5km. So, what’s stopping people? Safety. As Dr. Elliot Fishman, director of the Institute for Sensible Transport, puts it, “The main reason people drive instead of cycling is that they don’t feel safe on a bike.”
Lowering speed limits could be a game-changer. In countries like the Netherlands, where 28% of all trips are by bike, 30km/h is the standard on residential streets. Fishman highlights a stark reality: “If you’re hit by a car at 50km/h, your chance of survival is just 15%. At 30km/h, it jumps to 90%.” But, he warns, it’s not enough to just slap up a speed limit sign. Streets need design changes—like modal filters—to physically slow traffic and discourage shortcuts through residential areas. These measures have proven effective in improving safety and boosting cycling rates.
Here’s the bigger picture: By 2030, transport is set to become Australia’s largest emitting sector, with emissions on the rise. Increasing active travel, like cycling, is a key priority in the government’s roadmap to net zero. So, is lowering speed limits a no-brainer, or is it too much of a hassle? And what would it take for you to feel safe cycling in your city? Let’s debate—the comments are open!
