Plenty Road in Bundoora, located in Melbourne’s north-east, has been dishonourably crowned Australia’s most dangerous crash hotspot for the sixth year in a row, according to national insurer AAMI’s annual Crash Index. Nose-to-tail crashes (bumper-to-bumper) account for more than half of crashes at Melbourne’s top spot. Thursday is the worst day on Plenty Road, with afternoons most dangerous for crashes.
Whittlesea BUG has been lobbying for several years for safety improvements for bike riders along this stretch of road. This was reinforced by the results of our recent survey. In seeking people’s views of short term infrastructure requirements, an off road connection to the disappearing bike lane near Ormond Boulevard came in as the fifth top short term cycling infrastructure priority in the City of Whittlesea.
In light of the data showing nose-to-tail is the major type of crash, it is imperative that bike riders are given their own dedicated lane and path, separate from the motor vehicle line of traffic. Be assured, Whittlesea BUG will continue to strenuously advocate for the safety of bike riders on this stretch of road.