Crumbling roads catch Aussie advocacy groups' attention: 'People want better'
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If you've been out and about lately, you have noticed that roads and bike paths are looking a little worse for wear.
Potholes, cracks, overgrown verges, and debris have been popping up everywhere, and it's not just a minor inconvenience.
For many Australians, especially those who rely on cycling for transport, these deteriorating conditions are becoming a real safety hazard.
According to new data, complaints about the state of Aussie roads and bike paths have tripled in the past three years.
The surge in reports has also become a reflection of the growing number of Aussies using bicycles for transport.
Since 2020, cycling has boomed, and over five million Australians now ride a bike weekly.
The rise of e-bikes also made cycling more accessible, but it also highlighted how much Australia's roads have been struggling to keep up.
Danny Gorog, the CEO of the council reporting app Snap Send Solve, shared that the increase in complaints was a clear sign that roads and bike paths have been deteriorating.
In 2023, there were 5,235 reports of issues on bike paths, from crumbling tarmac and regular debris to overgrown nature strips.
Last year, more than 3,000 reports were already logged in the first five months.
'We need to evolve and react to managing our assets and infrastructure more appropriately,' Mr Gorog emphasised.
'People want better, more consistent infrastructure, and where they're not seeing it, they are reporting it.'
There are a few reasons why Aussie roads and bike paths are in such a state.
For one, much of Australia's roads are ageing, and maintenance cycles have not kept up with the wear and tear.
Extreme weather events, increased traffic, and budget constraints at all levels of government have also been massive factors in the roads' conditions.
Peter McLean, the CEO of Bicycle NSW, stated that it's time for the government to step up.
'People want better, more consistent infrastructure, and where they're not seeing it, they are reporting it,' McLean stated.
Poorly maintained roads and bike paths could be dangerous, not just for cyclists.
Cracks, potholes, and debris could cause serious accidents, especially for seniors, who may be more vulnerable to falls and injuries.
Despite making up a small percentage of road users, cyclists are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes.
Cyclist deaths have increased from 34 in 2023 to 38 in 2024, an 11.8 per cent jump.
Most of these incidents involved motor vehicles, highlighting the need for better awareness and education for all road users.
Earlier this year, a near-miss in Melbourne's Brunswick suburb made headlines when a driver failed to see a cyclist despite having flashing lights on his bike.
Cyclist Rory Meister called the incident 'absurd' and said that such close calls have become a common occurrence among bikers.
So, what can be done to make roads safer for everyone?
Experts say that it's a combination of better infrastructure, smarter investment, and ongoing upgrades.
McLean believed that education should start early when people first get their licenses.
'There's lots of great drivers out there, and we just need to equalise everyone on the road,' McLean stated.
Have you noticed your local roads getting worse as time goes by? What changes would you like to see to make Aussie streets safer for everyone, especially seniors? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below.
Potholes, cracks, overgrown verges, and debris have been popping up everywhere, and it's not just a minor inconvenience.
For many Australians, especially those who rely on cycling for transport, these deteriorating conditions are becoming a real safety hazard.
According to new data, complaints about the state of Aussie roads and bike paths have tripled in the past three years.
The surge in reports has also become a reflection of the growing number of Aussies using bicycles for transport.
Since 2020, cycling has boomed, and over five million Australians now ride a bike weekly.
The rise of e-bikes also made cycling more accessible, but it also highlighted how much Australia's roads have been struggling to keep up.
Danny Gorog, the CEO of the council reporting app Snap Send Solve, shared that the increase in complaints was a clear sign that roads and bike paths have been deteriorating.
In 2023, there were 5,235 reports of issues on bike paths, from crumbling tarmac and regular debris to overgrown nature strips.
Last year, more than 3,000 reports were already logged in the first five months.
'We need to evolve and react to managing our assets and infrastructure more appropriately,' Mr Gorog emphasised.
'People want better, more consistent infrastructure, and where they're not seeing it, they are reporting it.'
There are a few reasons why Aussie roads and bike paths are in such a state.
For one, much of Australia's roads are ageing, and maintenance cycles have not kept up with the wear and tear.
Extreme weather events, increased traffic, and budget constraints at all levels of government have also been massive factors in the roads' conditions.
Peter McLean, the CEO of Bicycle NSW, stated that it's time for the government to step up.
'People want better, more consistent infrastructure, and where they're not seeing it, they are reporting it,' McLean stated.
Poorly maintained roads and bike paths could be dangerous, not just for cyclists.
Cracks, potholes, and debris could cause serious accidents, especially for seniors, who may be more vulnerable to falls and injuries.
Despite making up a small percentage of road users, cyclists are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes.
Cyclist deaths have increased from 34 in 2023 to 38 in 2024, an 11.8 per cent jump.
Most of these incidents involved motor vehicles, highlighting the need for better awareness and education for all road users.
Earlier this year, a near-miss in Melbourne's Brunswick suburb made headlines when a driver failed to see a cyclist despite having flashing lights on his bike.
Cyclist Rory Meister called the incident 'absurd' and said that such close calls have become a common occurrence among bikers.
So, what can be done to make roads safer for everyone?
Experts say that it's a combination of better infrastructure, smarter investment, and ongoing upgrades.
McLean believed that education should start early when people first get their licenses.
'There's lots of great drivers out there, and we just need to equalise everyone on the road,' McLean stated.
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