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Lowering Speed Limits Boosts Bike Safety, Cuts Emissions in Melbourne
14 Oct
Summary
- Reducing speed limits from 50km/h to 30km/h doubles bike travel on low-stress streets
- 30km/h limits have minimal impact on car travel, as they only apply to local streets
- Cycling rates in Australia are low, with many short trips suitable for biking instead of driving
According to a study published on 2025-10-14, reducing residential speed limits from 50km/h to 30km/h in greater Melbourne could significantly improve safety and encourage more people to cycle. Researchers from RMIT University found that the lower speed limit would double the amount of bike travel on low-stress streets, creating a safer environment for children and less confident cyclists.
The study also determined that the 30km/h limit would have minimal impact on car travel, as it would only apply to local streets rather than the busier roads designed for maximum traffic flow. This aligns with the findings that cycling rates in Australia remain low, around 2% of trips to work, despite government efforts to promote active transport.
Experts say the main reason people choose to drive for short trips under 5km, which are suitable for cycling, is that they do not feel safe riding a bike. Lowering speed limits to 30km/h could save lives, as the chance of surviving a collision drops dramatically from 1.5-in-10 at 50km/h to 9-in-10 at 30km/h.
