A leading pedestrian advocacy group is urging state political parties to commit significant funding to pedestrian safety, as recent data reveals a concerning spike in fatalities on Victorian roads. The call comes amidst growing pressure for better infrastructure to support safe walking for all residents.

Alarming Rise in Pedestrian Fatalities Sparks Urgent Action Calls

Victoria's roads have seen a worrying surge in pedestrian deaths, with the most recent reporting period recording 33 fatalities. This figure significantly exceeds the five-year average of 22, according to data from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), highlighting a critical and worsening safety challenge across the state.

Victoria Walks, a prominent pedestrian advocacy organization, is leading the charge for immediate and substantial investment. Sarah Pilgrim, Chief Executive of Victoria Walks, emphasized the fundamental link between safety and people's willingness to walk. "People will only walk when they are safe and when they feel safe," Ms Pilgrim stated. "If there's any break in it – if there's not a safe crossing, if there's a missing footpath or something like that – then people lose their feeling of safety, they lose the enjoyment of the walk and they stop walking."

A Call for $150 Million to Revolutionise Pedestrian Crossings

To combat this escalating crisis, Victoria Walks is advocating for a four-year, $150 million investment from both sides of politics. This funding would be allocated to install or upgrade over 1,000 pedestrian crossings identified as crucial in various council transport plans statewide. Ms Pilgrim pointed out that the sheer number of needed crossings clearly indicates that existing infrastructure is failing to keep pace with the community's demand for safe walking options.

Improving pedestrian infrastructure is not only a safety imperative but also vital for achieving the state's ambitious goal of having 25 percent of all trips made by active transport by 2030. Enhancing safety and accessibility is a cornerstone of encouraging more Victorians to embrace walking as a viable mode of transport.

Local Councils Tackle Footpath Challenges

While state-level discussions continue, local councils are already taking steps to improve pedestrian safety. Maroondah Council, located in Melbourne's outer east, is actively reviewing its extensive pedestrian network, which includes 645 kilometres of footpaths. The council's transport strategy reveals that walking accounts for 35 percent of all trips shorter than 3km within the municipality.

Maroondah Mayor Linda Hancock, a keen walker herself, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of walking for individuals and communities. "Walking is great. Getting out for fresh air, health and well-being, you meet people," Mayor Hancock remarked. She underscored the social aspect and enhanced community safety that comes from more people being out and about. The council's review is comprehensive, incorporating hundreds of community ideas on improving accessibility and safety, including provisions for people with disabilities, pram users, and better night-time lighting.

Residents like Melissa Witton in Ringwood frequently encounter hazardous footpaths, noting common issues such as slippery surfaces and cracks. "If you're walking too quickly, like I do sometimes, your toes can catch, you go flying and you can get hurt," Ms Witton described, likening the experience to navigating potholes on a road.

Persistent Hotspots and Community Advocacy

Specific areas continue to be flashpoints for pedestrian safety concerns. Cate Hall has been a long-standing advocate for improvements on Murray Road in Coburg, a busy thoroughfare in Melbourne's north that connects new residential areas, shops, parks, and schools. Ms Hall described the stretch as a "hostile environment" for pedestrians despite its heavy usage.

Following a parliamentary inquiry into vulnerable road users, which the government largely supported in 2025, the speed limit on Murray Road was reduced from 60 km/h to 40 km/h during school drop-off and pick-up times. However, Ms Hall and the community believe more is needed, advocating for the road to be reduced to one lane in each direction to allow for wider, safer footpaths. Merr-Bek Council has recognized Murray Road as an advocacy priority, citing 23 crashes and five serious injuries over the past three years, particularly given the high number of students using the route.

Political Scrutiny and Government Response

The state opposition has sharply criticized the government's handling of infrastructure, with Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure Evan Mulholland accusing the current administration of neglecting roads and pedestrian infrastructure due to financial mismanagement. "Victorians are paying the price for [the government's] financial incompetence, which has left local councils and communities starved of the funding needed to keep pedestrians safe," Mr Mulholland asserted.

In response, a spokesperson for the Victorian government affirmed its commitment to road safety, highlighting an investment of over $1.4 billion towards improvements, including the delivery of more than 850 pedestrian crossings across the state. The government stated that the safety of all road users is a priority and that it continuously monitors the network, working closely with local councils and communities to ensure pedestrian infrastructure meets user needs and encourages active travel.