Whilst planning for cycling has come a long way since the Geelong Bikeplan first put cyclists on the transport map, there is still a disconcerting lack of adequate data on which to base policy and planning decisions. What sources there are, are often not used effectively (or even correctly), leading to sub-optimal planning. In some cases, for example, the Commonwealth Black Spot Program, the absence of adequate data has distorted the allocation of resources substantially away from projects to benefit cycling safety. This paper identifies some of the reasons that cyclists are so invisible. It is often implicitly assumed that, if cyclists are `not perceived to be there', then there is no need to improve the cycling environment. The paper draws on experience with bicycle planning in Perth, using Perth's better than average data on cycle usage, and the Commonwealth Black Spot Program. It also suggests some future directions for data collection and use in integrated transport planning. (A)
Abstract