Controversial changes to reduce speed limits on residential Melbourne streets to 30km/h have been supported by a study from a major university.

The changes are designed to increase the safety for pedestrians and cyclists, a finding now supported by a study by RMIT University.

“For the majority of journeys, residential streets are typically utilized only at the beginning and end, meaning that lowering speeds to 30km/h from 50km/h on those brief segments has minimal impact,” stated Dr. Afshin Jafari.

“Slowing traffic makes bicycle riding less stressful, encouraging more people to choose bikes as a safe and viable mode of transport.”

According to Jafari, implementing lower speed limits is an economical and straightforward method to enhance the safety of streets for cyclists and pedestrians, without significantly disrupting drivers.

“Slowing down vehicles is a cheap and effective way to improve safety while we wait for longer-term infrastructure upgrades,” he said.

“This should also create safer streets for our kids.”