John Middleton

Party: Australian Greens

I live in city/suburb: Middle Park

My commitment: As councillor for Junction Ward, I believe in leading by example, and almost all of my local trips around the municipality are by bike or walking. It is often quicker than driving, more pleasant and with no parking hassles. While on council, I have supported a substantial increase in the council budget for walking and cycling in this term of council. This is directly related to council’s new Sustainable Transport Strategy, Walk Plan and Bike Plan which were all developed in this term as a result of increased commitment to sustainable transport. Safe cycling infrastructure is essential to encourage more people to cycle more and to achieve the benefits of cycling – environmental, financial and health benefits. Social equity is also important because many people – young, elderly and less affluent, are not able to drive a car. Cycling is an option for most people. We need to create an environment where anyone can live in Port Phillip without a car. More cycling can also reduce vehicle traffic and parking demand, two of the biggest problems in inner suburbs. I was able to get support for the installation of Port Phillip’s first contra-flow bike lane, in a one-way section of Acland Street, St Kilda. I hope that, after the election and with the support of new councillors, we can install many more because one-way streets form a big part of our local bike route network. They are already quiet and safe, and the few vehicles travel at low speeds, so it is quite important that they are configured so that two-way cycling is safe and legal. Albert Park is centrally-located within Port Phillip and is part of many local bike routes. It is administered by Parks Victoria, so it is important that council works with PV to have these routes improved, particularly at some of the perimeter locations such as Cecil Street.

Details on this website: http://www.vic.greens.org.au/ (opens a new window)

Current sitting member: yes