On-road bike lanes at roundabouts research

ViaStrada was engaged by Austroads to investigate the safety of on-road bicycle lanes at roundabouts in Australia and New Zealand. The research found strong evidence that painted bike lanes at and within roundabouts are often linked to poor safety outcomes for cyclists—especially due to motorists failing to give way. Observations showed that cyclists typically avoid using circulating bike lanes and are safer when they "claim the lane" by riding centrally—especially at lower speeds.

The study highlighted the importance of speed management near roundabouts. Features like vertical deflection, tighter geometry, and restricted visibility can help reduce speeds to 25–30 km/h, giving drivers more time to react to cyclists. In situations where such equitable speeds can't be achieved, physical separation for cyclists may be needed.

The report recommends a shift in design philosophy from prioritising vehicle capacity to focusing on safety for all users. While more research is needed on multi-lane and high-speed roundabouts, the key takeaway is clear: reducing motorist speed is fundamental to improving cyclist safety. The full report is available on the Austroads website.