As cyclists and pedestrians, we experience daily the dread of speeding cars hitting us and have heard dozens of stories of being injured or worse on our streets. Lower speed limits save lives, reduce noise, are more pleasant to live and be around, and encourage more people to cycle and get around our neighbourhood by methods other than driving.

Richmond, with its vibrant communities and bustling neighbourhoods, deserves safer streets. By lowering speed limits to 30km/h in high access neighbourhoods, we can make our streets safer for all road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. Numerous studies have shown that reducing speed limits significantly decreases the likelihood and severity of accidents for all street users, all without appreciable increases in driving time. The World Health Organization reports that pedestrians have a 90% chance of survival when struck by a car travelling at 30km/h, compared to just a 50%-80% chance at 50km/h.

Importantly, 30km/h areas in Greater Melbourne have been modelled to double cycling volumes without appreciable increases in driving time.

In our community, stories of near misses and tragic accidents are all too common and the fear of accidents deters many from choosing cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport. Implementing a 30km/h speed limit would not only enhance safety but also foster a more inclusive and active community. It would also encourage residents to explore alternatives to driving, reducing local traffic congestion and pollution.

These are also very popular measures, with Yarra Council community consultation in 2023 showing 59% support in south Collingwood/Fitzory (near 30km/h trial area), and 68% support in Collingwood/Fitzroy (within 30km/h trial area)!

We call upon Yarra Council and the Department of Transport and Planning to prioritise the safety and amenity of its residents by adopting 30km/h speed limits for all high access neighbourhoods in Richmond. Let us commit to creating a Richmond that values safety, inclusivity and sustainability.

Sign this petition to urge Yarra Councillors to adopt 30km/h speed limits in all Richmond's high access neighbourhoods. Together, we can make our streets safer and our communities stronger.

#saferstreetsforRichmond

Note to signees: Please ensure when signing that you put your suburb name (e.g., Richmond) in the ‘city’ box, and that your postcode is correct (3121 for Richmond). If you don’t live in Richmond, you can use the ‘I’m signing because…’ box to explain your connection to Richmond and the local area (e.g. Swan Street shopper, Victoria St bánh mì enthusiast, or Richmond library member).