Rethinking mobility: the role of cycling in the post-pandemic recovery

The coronavirus pandemic and physical distancing measures have changed how we move around our cities and communities, and affected people’s willingness to travel in crowded situations. While public transport usage has dropped significantly, there has been a rise in cycling for transport and recreation.  AECOM’s James Warfe says this opens up an opportunity to make this short-term trend a long-term habit as part of our post-pandemic recovery.

As countries across the world begin to ease coronavirus restrictions, the concerns that caused the rapid reduction in urban public transport usage are likely to linger and many will seek alternate forms of transport that can support ongoing physical distancing. Melbourne, Australia, is one such city experiencing this shift, and it faces an all-too common challenge.

Historically, in the greater Melbourne area private vehicle usage has accounted for 73 percent of journeys to work. If transit users shift to private vehicle use post-pandemic, increasing this share, it would risk further congestion and may see existing infrastructure pushed beyond its capability. Melbourne must therefore provide real alternatives to car use for those avoiding public transport, and in doing so embrace the opportunity to encourage permanent mode shift away from private vehicles and towards cycling.

The City of Melbourne recently announced the roll out of 40 kilometres of permanent cycle lanes through the central business district and inner suburbs to support the recent increase in cycling demand, and to encourage even more commuters to take to two wheels. However, the onus is now on the State and Federal Governments to use infrastructure, legislation and technology mechanisms to deliver a comprehensive, city-wide network improvement program that promotes cycling as a key mode of transport.

Find out more about Melbourne’s post-pandemic transport opportunity in our ‘Rethinking Mobility’ paper.