Canberra's Civic Cycle Loop is showing "early signs of success" through increases in the number of people riding bikes and improved cyclist safety, a new research paper has found.
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Brisbane-based urban planning student Andrew Kennedy studied the 3.2-kilometre loop using an online survey of cyclists and expert literature, measuring increased rates of riding trips and perceptions of personal safety among riders.
The loop provides special cycling facilities on a route from Lake Burley Griffin, north along Marcus Clarke Street, through the city on Rudd and Bunda Streets, and back to the lakeside via Allara Street.
Of the 166 respondents, cyclists who had infrequent use of the route said they had ridden more since the loop was created and their perceptions of safety had increased. And 48 per cent saying they had chosen to cycle on the route more since the loop was created.
Of those, 37 per cent reported using the loop four or more days each week since it was created and 91 per cent said Marcus Clarke and Rudd Streets were safer for cyclists.
On safety, 64 per cent or respondents agreed the streets had become safer and easier to navigate, and 73 per cent agreed the loop had made for a better cycling environment in Canberra.
"The study indicated the Civic Cycle Loop is showing early signs of success in achieving its goals of encouraging cycling through improving the perception of safety," Mr Kennedy said.
"While it was unclear whether safety was more influential than other factors, the indication that several aspects of the route were improved is positive. The findings reflect previous research and confirm that this type of infrastructure is able to encourage cycling, especially among less frequent cyclists."
Nationally, about 30 per cent of trips to work of less than 10 kilometres are taken by car, while overall cycling attracts about 1 per cent of all trips to work, compared with 3.8 per cent walking and 14 per cent public transport.
In Canberra, cycling makes up 2.8 per cent of transport for trips to work – the highest rate in Australia. The report included existing data which found a distinct increase for work trips from suburbs in the inner-north, within five kilometres of the city. There, cycling was between 15 and 20 per cent.
The report included data on the economic benefits associated with cycling: a 20-minute trip by bike benefits the economy by as much as $14.30, including savings on health costs, congestion reduction, savings from car operating costs, infrastructure spending and environmental benefits.
The health benefits of riding a bike are valued at about 168¢ a kilometre, following by car operating costs of about 30¢ a kilometre.
Respondents said better driver education was needed to improve cyclists perceptions of safety. Concerns they identified included people getting out of cars, motorists overlooking cyclists in bike lanes, and confusion about the Bunda Street share way.
The loop was created with $6 million of ACT government funding. Stages one and two were completed in 2013, and the third stage and the Bunda Street share way were completed in 2014.
In April, cycling advocacy group Pedal Power called for the southern end of the loop to be added to the area north of Parkes Way.
