Kevin Kuek, November 2020
Since mid-March 2020 when the spread of the COVID-19 virus plunged the state of Victoria into a State of Emergency, Victorians saw numerous stages of restrictions, easing of them, and a second wave resulting in a devastating Stage 4 lockdown in early August.
Amongst all these challenges, we saw an expected restriction of movements, a decline of people heading into Melbourne as the “Stay at home”, “Work from home” orders were issued by the Andrews government. One thing we didn’t expect was the rise of the weekday cyclist. Those resorting to new ways of getting out for exercise, fresh air. So was born the COVID-19 cyclist.
The rise of cyclists was most evident during the first weeks of tightening restrictions, when recreational venues - gyms, studios, pools, skateparks, golf courses - all or remained closed down. Even through “Steps 1 & 2 towards COVID normal” saw more taking to the bike as those venues remained closed.
What also characterises these cyclists are the freedoms, the opportunities that working from home affords. Anytime of the day is now suitable for a cycle.
Beware of the rise of the COVID-19 cyclist!
Over 40,000 bicycles are seen daily across 46 VicRoads counter sites throughout Melbourne.
By the end of the first week of the state of emergency over 33,000 bicycles were registered across the morning peak hour (7am – 8am). At the end of the week the “Stay at home” was enforced (30/3) this dramatically fell to 12,000. An almost 64% drop. Along with a 42% drop in cyclists during the evening peak hour (4pm – 5pm).
From March 30th when Stage 3 came in there are more riders are on the road during the day outside the normal peak times. There was a noticeable 65% increase in number of cyclists during the middle of the day (11am – 1pm).
As people stayed home, the city and roads became deserted. Nowhere more evident than St. Kilda Road during this time. One of the main roads leading from the south into the city saw, across the board, more than a 70% drop in cycling traffic.
During what would be the after-work peak hour, we saw a drop from 1,442 cyclists to 410 over the course of the three weeks.
Whereas popular cycling trails like Merri Creek in the northern suburbs saw an incredible uptake of activity throughout the day. This saw a 146% increase of cyclists during one part of the middle of the day.
People are taking advantage of working from home and the new opportunities it brings throughout the day.
The week wc 29/6 saw covid cases rise rapidly, where concerning outbreaks put North & West Melbourne into another Stage 3 lockdown. The following week on 9/7, Metro Melbourne followed suit.
First 2 weeks of Stage 3 in Metro Melbourne shows an increase of cycling activities due to alternatives (gyms, studios, pools etc) closing. Cycling proving a good way to get out and exercise.
Again trails took on the surge of cyclists keen to get out through the day.
This was particularly evident down along Merri Creek, when by the end of the third week, between 4 to 5pm, 596 cyclists took to the trail, a massive 128% increase from the first week (261).
Dramatic drop in the 1st week of stage 4 (3 Aug) across the board. Then a recovery of volume by the 4th week of stage 4 (24 Aug).
It’s intriguing to see the impact of drastic restrictions. Immediately, people stayed at home the first week, then realised they could still go out and exercise.
There were no noticeable change in cycling volumes in the first couple weeks since Step 1 was introduced.
However, there is a noticeable increase in cycling volume in the week of introducing Step 2 (28/9). This coincided with the most noticeable easing of restrictions - No curfew, no time limit, social interaction increased.
Step 1 - saw daily outdoor exercise increased to 2hours, 2 people maximum.
Step 2 - saw no time restriction to exercise. And outdoor social interactions of 10 people, 2 households introduced. Gyms, studios, indoor pools etc still closed.
Nowhere more evident of the impact Step 2 had than shown by the cyclists of Merri Creek(again).
From Step 1 to the end of the first week of Step 2, there was an increase of cyclists across the whole day, particularly from mid-afternoon onwards. Around 2 - 3pm, a 53% increase was evident.
Victorians have showcased their resilience over the past 6 months with much disruption to their lives. Out of these times we have seen the rise of the COVID-19 cyclist. As beloved gyms, yoga/dance studios, golf courses and pools closed we saw swarms of people resorting to the bicycle as a way of getting out of the house and getting some exercise. Working from home gave people the opportunity to go for a ride at anytime of the day.
We saw an increase in the number of cyclists, especially throughout the day, in the weeks following the introduction of both Stage 3 and second Stage 3 lockdowns. Also, during Steps 1 and 2 towards COVID normal, when recreational venues remained closed, we saw the same pattern.
So whilst these unusual and uncertain times still preside with us, when we aren’t able to enjoy our favourite pastimes, maybe, just maybe, if you haven’t already done so, become a COVID-19 cyclist.
VicRoads. (2020). Bicycle Volume and Speed 2020 [Dataset]. https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/bicycle-volume-and-speed/resource/cc00add1-5ea7-4d94-b72f-d2d8b5311ee6
VicRoads. (2020). VicRoads Bike Site Number Listing https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/bicycle-volume-and-speed/resource/f4f6fb31-982f-4182-ac0c-0fcd52c58eeb
Victoria. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Coronavirus Updates. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/updates
Victoria. State Government of Victoria. (2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap for reopening. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-roadmaps