VicRoads regularly consults with cycling stakeholders on the development and implementation of cycling programs and initiatives throughout the State.

Regular and formal input from key cycling stakeholders such as Bicycle Victoria, Cycle Sport Victoria and the cycling industry is obtained through their representation on the Victorian Bicycle Advisory Council. Input is also obtained on specific issues from cycling stakeholders such as the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club, Audax and Bicycle User Groups.

The Victorian Bicycle Advisory Council (VBAC) was established on 25 November 1998, and includes representatives from Government, Bicycle Victoria, the cycling industry, researchers and the community.

It is a broad-based forum that oversees the management and development of cycling in Victoria. It provides the Minister for Roads and Ports with strategic policy and program advice on cycling-related issues.

The structure and wide-ranging membership of the VBAC ensures that the advice that it provides is contemporary, well informed and represents the views of the cycling community.

What is the purpose of the VBAC?

The purpose of the VBAC is to identify and consider the following cycling-related issues:

• The extent of and trends in, cycling in Victoria;
• Current and emerging issues and the needs of cyclists;
• Strategic framework for cycling programs in Victoria;
• Cycling policies and programs across State Government agencies;
• Measures that promote the safety of cyclists;
• Education measures and programs relevant to cycling;
• Cycling facilities and programs in Victoria;
• Regulations, facilities and services relevant to cyclists.

Achievements of the VBAC

Since its establishment, the VBAC has provided advice on a number of issues relating to bicycle infrastructure projects and cyclist safety programs. These include:

• Provision of cycling facilities as part of major infrastructure projects such as the Docklands development and the Geelong Road upgrading works;
• Identification of bicycle crash blackspots and the development of appropriate countermeasures;
• Inclusion of cycling route information on the VicRoads website;
• Increasing fines for bicycle-related offences such as cycling through red lights;
• Initiating a series of cycling workshops with key stakeholders in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.