Article: Cycling fastest way to move in Victoria

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Cycling fastest way to move in Victoria

Cycling fastest way to move in Victoria
Article from: Herald Sun

Susie O'Brien

May 03, 2008 12:00am

CYCLING with a baby on board is the fastest way for parents to get around the city, a Herald Sun experiment has found.

The results come as congestion in the CBD is worsening, and parents and commuters are searching for alternative transport.

Yesterday three parents did their own version of the Great Race, travelling on bike, train and car from Melbourne Zoo to Birrarung Marr in the city.

Darren Saffin, with Zach, 19 months, on the front of his bike in a Wee Ride seat, made the trip in half an hour.

Just four minutes behind him was Yael Cohn, who caught the train with baby Jacob, four months, and Dan Brooke, who drove his car with Ned and Tom, both 2, on board.

Mr Saffin acknowledged that not every parent can take their kids on a bike, but said it was a cheap and green way to get around.

"I am pretty confident about safety, but you don't know what everyone else is going to do on the roads.

"I managed to mostly get around using bike lanes and riding through parks, which is good," he said.

Mr Brooke said he was surprised that driving around the city was relatively easy.

"I generally prefer public transport, but didn't have any problems - the only catch is that parking will probably cost me around $15," he said.

Ms Cohn was pleasantly surprised she had to wait just three minutes for a train from the zoo to the city.

"The experience was fine and I will probably do it more often," she said.

Cath Smith, CEO of the Victorian Council of Social Service, said public transport in outer suburban areas needed to be stronger for parents with children.

"We are the first to encourage people to go by bike, but it's not always possible if you are juggling shopping and young kids," she said.

A recent study by VCOSS attacked the state's public transport system for being largely inaccessible to parents with prams. "We really do need to ensure people have genuine transport choices," Ms Smith said.

Thanuja Gunatillake, manager of the RACV road user team, welcomed the results, saying there is a need for improved public transport in and around the city.

"Especially for parents, public transport needs to be reliable and safe," she said.

"But it's good to know parents have these options which will suit different people."