Robyn Erwin

Party: Independent

I live in city/suburb: Chelsea Heights

My commitment: As a regular bike rider, a member of Bicycle Victoria, and a strong believer in sustainable transport I will strongly support initiatives to facilitate more people choosing bike riding as their method of travel. My travel choices in order of priority are to walk if I can, if walking’s not possible to ride, if riding’s not possible to take public transport (or a combination of riding or walking and public transport) and as a last resort to drive. The two main factors to consider when deciding if riding is possible are distance and safety and these are both strongly impacted by who is going with me. I may decide quite differently if I am riding by myself than if I am riding with either of my 2 sons. My reasons for riding also vary between riding because I have to get somewhere (to go to a meeting or to do my weekly shop), riding for exercise or riding for fun. I therefore feel I have a good understanding of the needs of different bike riders and the different requirements needed to ensure that we can all ride safely and achieve our riding goals. I understand that for some people bicycle paths away from roads such as the Mordialloc – Patterson River path or the bike paths around Braeside Park best meet their needs. Ensuring riders and drivers can safely share Beach Rd is of prime importance to others. Bike Issues in Kingston: Bay Trail – Charman Rd to Mordialloc - I strongly support the completion of Kingston’s section of the Bay Trail and believe that the best option for this is the ‘back of kerb’ option. This maintains consistency with the adjoining bike path in Bayside and has least impact of the foreshore vegetation. Station St - I support working towards ensuring all of Station St is upgraded and maintained at a safe standard for bike riders. Having ridden along Station St with my son on our Sunday morning training rides for the Great Vic, I fully appreciate the number of serious riders who use this route regularly. It’s also an important route for several riders commuting to work on weekdays. Dandenong to Caulfield Rail Path - I believe Kingston Council should work with Dandenong Council to show support for this important project. One way to do this could be for Kingston council to provide a portion of funding for a preliminary design in proportion to the section of the path that passes through Kingston. Links to new Parkiteer Cage - I think Parkiteer Cages are a great support for bike / train commuters. However the roads around Mordialloc Station are not ideal for safe riding. Dedicated bike lanes along surrounding streets including Park St and Albert St to link to the Mordialloc – Patterson River bike path, would help improve this situation. Ride2School - As a mother of 2 boys who have ridden to school since prep (and earlier to kinder) I strongly support any efforts to encourage more children to do the same. The exercise makes them more awake and ready to learn, we don’t have the hassle of trying to find a car park and we don’t contribute to school traffic congestion. Kingston Council’s environmental education program could contribute to encouraging more children to ride. BiXE - The BiXE index clearly shows Kingston can do more to support its bike riders. Taking action on the above projects would be a great start.

Details on this website: http://www.robynerwin.blogspot.com/ (opens a new window)

Current sitting member: no