Bicycle Network has amended its five-year-old helmet policy, which did not support mandatory bicycle helmet laws, in line with recent surveys about the issues that concern our members.
This position also brings us into line with Australian laws and community attitudes. Our new helmet position is on our website and is in line with Victorian and Australian laws. It states:
“Bicycle Network recognises that bicycle users are required by Australian law in all states to wear a properly fitted helmet. We recommend that all riders comply with the law. Our purpose is to advocate for changes that will encourage more people to ride more often.”
Bicycle Network conducts annual membership surveys and our 2023 survey found that our members prioritise:
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motorist behaviour (47%)
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road conditions (40%)
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bike riding infrastructure (38%)
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suitable bike riding routes (28%).
Our members tell us their major sources of frustration when riding are motorists and a lack of adequate bike riding infrastructure.
They are concerned that, despite the significant investment in separated bike lanes and other infrastructure over the past two years, attitudes are not changing.
They struggle with poorly designed infrastructure, community pushback against infrastructure change and aggression from people while they are riding on the road and shared paths.
In making the decision to change our position, we also considered feedback from more than 3000 members who responded to our survey ahead of the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into road safety hearing in August 2023.
Bicycle Network is a not-for-profit, membership organisation. Our vision is a healthy, sustainable society where everyone can safely ride a bike every day. We know our members want us to use our resources advocate for changes that will encourage more people to ride more often.
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