February 27th, 2022Protecting cyclists

More than 20 Victorian communities are set to receive funding for local road safety projects to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The state government will award 22 Victorian councils a share of $1.4 million through the TAC’s Annual Local Government Grant (LGG) Program – improving road safety outcomes for vulnerable road users.
The program, launched in 2012, encourages councils to work closely with their local communities to develop solutions to address safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians, in projects aligned with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy (2021-2030).
Local governments were invited in April 2021 to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for projects that focus on delivering benefits to at-risk road users such as pedestrians and cyclists across Victoria. TAC data shows that these groups accounted for almost 20% of fatalities in the past 5 years, with 28 pedestrians and 11 cyclists killed in 2021 alone.
The TAC received an overwhelming response to the program, demonstrating a grassroots commitment to improving road safety throughout Victoria. Thirty projects were selected, across an even spread of rural and regional, outer and inner metro local government areas.
Projects are split between two categories: 15 analysis projects, and 15 small-scale infrastructure projects. For a full list of 2021 funded projects to go the www.tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/local-government-grants
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll: “Walking and cycling are great way to stay healthy and get around, and these grants will not only improve the safety of vulnerable road users but foster liveable cities that encourage active transport. We are building a safer transport network through investment in infrastructure and education and investigating new policies and technology – but we need every single Victorian to make safe choices on our roads.”
Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore: “It’s encouraging to see so many local governments and communities focused on driving down road trauma in their area. We all use the roads differently, and it is important that unprotected and vulnerable road users are supported by the road system, not impacted by it.”