Australia’s most dangerous roads for cyclists revealed with SA on the list

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A jaw-dropping 88% of cycling spots nationwide are unsafe, according to Australia’s largest-ever crowd-sourced bike safety project, BikeSpot 2023. From over 72,800 submissions, the nation-wide digital map showed SA is home to some of the worst and best roads for cyclists.

Australian’s had their say where they felt safe or unsafe while riding their bike – from October 2023 to January 2024 – exposing critical dangers from intersections, lack of bike lanes, and narrow paths.

Franklin St in Adelaide’s CBD was named 4th on the list of most dangerous cycling spots across the country due to a lack of dedicated bike lanes. Meanwhile interstate, Hopkins St in Footscray (VIC), Victoria Rd in Rozelle (NSW), and Sylvan Rd in Toowong (QLD) topped the list.

Over three-quarters of unsafe spots are due to a lack of cycling infrastructure, often at dangerous intersections or areas with no bicycle lanes and lanes that are too narrow. Cyclists reported the most stressed on roads without bike lanes, followed by riding in traffic and high traffic speeds. Intersections are also a significant issue along priority cycling routes in capital cities, despite some infrastructure.

There have been approximately 46 cycling-related fatalities and 14,800 cycling-related hospitalisations in Australia in the last 12 months with many of the fatalities happening in high-speed areas where bike lanes were absent. Similarly, serious injuries were reported predominately in urban areas – such as Sydney’s inner suburbs and Melbourne’s busy intersections – where lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure poses severe risks to cyclists.

Respondents voted for SA’s Rail Bikeway going through Woodville and Croydon as the number ten safest spot for the dedicated bike path and scenic route. Safe spots include areas with off-road paths and separated bike lanes, such as Canning St in Carlton North (VIC) and the Bicentennial Bikeway (QLD).

The project aims to enhance active transport opportunities and assist governments with data-driven decision-making for future cycling infrastructure. According to the public feedback, Aussies want to see more space from traffic, sufficient cycling infrastructure – including more bike lines – and better driver behaviour, especially around intersections.

CrowdSpot Director, Anthony Aisenberg, said the data discovered insufficient cycling infrastructure was the top stress factor for cyclists.

“With over three-quarters of unsafe spots at dangerous intersections or areas with no bike lanes,
it is clear cyclists are most stressed without bike lanes, riding in traffic, and facing poor driver
behaviour at intersections,” he said.

“This data complements other data sources such as official crash statistics and is critical for
prioritising decisions on future cycling infrastructure improvements, which lead to better planning
for all road users.

“We are currently working with local and state governments who are interested in the findings to
help validate what they may know and serve as a new evidence base for informed decision-making.”

Dangerous Cycling Spots in Australia:

1. Hopkins St, Footscray (VIC): No bike lane, high traffic speeds.
2. Victoria Rd, Rozelle (NSW): Dangerous intersections, no bike lane.
3. Sylvan Rd, Toowong (QLD): High traffic speeds, dangerous intersections.
4. Franklin St, Adelaide (SA): Lack of dedicated bike lanes.
5. Tydeman Rd & Pearse St Intersection (WA): Complex traffic patterns, high vehicle speeds.
6. Northbourne Ave, Lyneham (ACT): High traffic speeds, no bike lane.
7. Tasman Bridge (TAS): Narrow paths, high vehicle speeds.
8. Epping Rd Shared Path, Lane Cove (NSW): Dangerous intersections.
9. St Georges Rd Trail (VIC): Intersecting roads causing safety concerns.
10. Bourke Rd, Alexandria (NSW): Poor surface, dangerous intersections

Safe Cycling Spots in Australia:

1. Canning St, Carlton North (VIC): Wide bike lane, high cyclist presence.
2. Bicentennial Bikeway (QLD): Off-road path, scenic route.
3. Wilson St, Newtown (NSW): Separated bike lane, low vehicle traffic.
4. South Tce, Fremantle (WA): Dedicated bike lane, minimal intersections.
5. Wendouree Dr, Parkes (ACT): Off-road path, wide lanes.
6. Intercity Cycleway south of Tasman Bridge (TAS): Scenic route, separated from traffic.
7. Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe (VIC): Separated bike lane, newly installed infrastructure.
8. Wellington St, Collingwood (VIC): Separated bike lane, well-maintained.
9. Albert Street, East Melbourne (VIC): Separated bike lane, low vehicle traffic.
10. Rail Bikeway, Woodville/Croydon (SA): Dedicated bike path, scenic route

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