Bicycle Network: Take Action

Yes you can!

12 December 2012. Using common sense and friendliness, and working with his local council, a Bicycle Network member has been able to improve his route to work.

Below is an example of how individuals can make a difference. James (a Bicycle Network Victoria member) was concerned about the lack of space in the bike lane at the loading zone in Coppin St, Richmond. He followed up with the local council and was able to have it fixed.

Before member's letter - bike lane too narrow past loading zone parking space.	After member's letter and follow up. Bike lane widened to allow space for bike rider. Red arrow indicates old linemarking removed.

"For some time, I have been concerned about the narrowness of a section of the bicycle lane on Coppin Street, Richmond (heading south), near the corner of Bridge Rd particularly when the loading zone at this location is in use," James said.

"So when I noticed some new lanes being marked up in the area, I contacted the Traffic Coordinator at the City of Yarra to ask whether it might be possible to review and adjust the bicycle lane markings.

"The response I received was both prompt and positive, indicating that they would review the options and if possible, widen and improve this section of the bike path.

"Within a few weeks, the lane had been adjusted, allowing more room for cyclists and greater visibility of the bike path at the point where two traffic lanes merge into one. You can see in the photographs the original alignment of the path and how it has been widened and a "bike path" logo added.

"I was obviously delighted with the result and was left with the impression that the Traffic Coordination team at City of Yarra both welcome and appreciate receiving feedback from regular bike path users and where possible, will consider improvements.

"So I thought that this positive interaction with a local council and the outcome seemed like a good story to share with the Bicycle Network."

Letters and email work

The first step is to work out who is the responsible authority and then write to them. See below for sorting out who to write to. A phone call is usually not enough. You have to put your concerns in writing if you are to expect a result.

Bicycle Network Victoria can help back you up, but we rely on Members and cyclists to pursue local problems so that we can focus our efforts on major campaigns. One of the great strengths of Bicycle Network Victoria is our active Membership. Please see How we answer Facilities Development emails for more information on our email email policy.

Local action gets results. We have many examples of cyclists writing to the local council or other authority and getting things fixed. You might also be interested in contacting the local Bicycle User Group (BUG) as most campaign for better bicycle facilities in their local area.

Correspondence should be directed to the general email or postal address so that it is logged by the Council or or Department when received, then redirected to the relevant person. Sometimes you may need to send a follow-up email or letter if you don't receive a response from your initial correspondence.

CC a copy of any correspondence to Bicycle Network Victoria at this email address or post a copy of the letter to PO Box 24013, MELBOURNE, VIC 3001.

By cc'ing us we know about the problem, and, just as importantly,  they know that we know. We keep a record of all correspondence to each authority and can then follow up on issues when we talk to these authorities.

Be as specific as possible when writing: give Melway/directory references, indicate if it's a safety hazard, suggest what they might do to fix it and send pictures if you can. Bicycle Network Victoria suggests that you write in a tone that is clear, polite and firm. Abusive letters rarely get a response and can, in fact, be counter-productive.

Who to write to

In most cases the people you need to speak to are at the relevant local council. Local councils are responsible for local roads (the brown and orange roads in the Melway or the thin black roads in the VicRoads country directory) and parks, and also for maintenance of some main roads and arterial paths.

If it turns out that they are not the responsible authority, they can direct you to the right one. To find out which council to contact, look in the Melway or VicRoads country directory.

For metropolitan councils, the council borders are shown in Melway with yellow lines. The council names are in red. For regional councils, borders and council names are shown in the VicRoads country directory in green.

Work out which council you need to contact and then find their email address at the Department of Infrastructure local council list. Attention your email to the Chief Executive Officer of the council. A list of email addresses is at the bottom of this page.

Other bodies to speak to

As well as writing to the local council, you can also send a copy to the relevant state government department.

Main roads & traffic signal faults - If your problem is on a main road or freeway (the black and red and most red roads in the Melways or the red and thick black roads in the VicRoads country directory) or with traffic signals, then you should also write to VicRoads. For urgent signal faults ring 131170.

Eastlink Trail - This new major trail, 35k in length, may reveal some construction faults as riders begin to  use it in numbers. Report problems here.

Monash-CityLink-Westgate upgrade - This massive project is impacting in bike network facilities, and the construction team is general responsive to probems. Contact them here.

Broken glass or hazards on road - Road managing authorities conduct cleaning on routine basis and occasionally as required. Any unsafe road conditions should be reported to the relevant local council or VicRoads Telephone Information Service 13 11 74. This could include glass or other hazards left on the road. VicRoads contact details, ph: 13 11 70 (or 13 11 74). For broken glass cleanup phone 13 11 74 and choose option 4 on the menu to speak with a VicRoads representative.

Rule 293 (3 penalty units) of Road Rules Victoria requires the driver to remove anything fallen onto, or put on, the road from a vehicle, if there is a possibility of injury, obstruction or damage resulting from its presence. Fallen things include accident debris, oil or grease.

The Transport Tow Truck Regulations 1994 at Section 13 / 1 require a tow truck driver removing a vehicle to remove all debris including glass ($165 fine). Tow trucks are required to carry a broom, shovel and rubbish receptacle.

Trails in National Parks - If your problem is in a state or national park then you should also write to Parks Victoria:
Ph 13 1963 or Email

Trails along major waterways - Along a major waterway (eg: Yarra River) there are often many bodies and councils with responsibilities. Use the Melway or a map to work out the local council and start there.  See list below.

Rail trails - If your problem is on crown land or with a rail trail then you should also write to the Department of Sustainability and Environment:
Ph 136 186 or Email

Many rail trails are managed by a volunteer Committee of Management. See the Rail Trails Austraila website for contact information for each of the trails.

Manhole covers on roads - If you have a problem with water services such as manhole or water main covers on roads then you should also write to Melbourne Water.
Ph: 131 722 or Email