Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Election opportunity for candidates to show support

15 August 2012 Bicycle Network Victoria has identified this project as a local council priority for the 2012 Local Government election. Candidates should be ready to support the development and full or partial funding of this project in conjunction with State Government and can tell riders in their Council area their position by posting their candidates' statement at VoteBike.

Spreading the word

July 2012 This month we have sat down with the three State Members of Parliament whose electorates span the pipetrack to show them how important, popular and easy to deliver this path would be. We have asked them to pursue funding for the path so that the Baillieu Government can do right by the tens of thousands of residents who want to use this path to ride as an attractive alternative to Springvale Road to the dozens of schools, activity centres, the TallyHo business district and to the train stations at either end of this corridor.

Path identified as a Priority Route

June 2012 VicRoads has identified this route as a priority project as part of the Network Operating Plan which considers all modes and route priority allocation. Bicycle Network Victoria is calling uopn the Baillieu State Government to fund this path immediately. This would be a great congestion busting initiative in an area with few alternatives for commuters.

ALP pledges $4.4M for pipe track

18 November 2010. The proposed Forest Hill pipe track bike route will get a $4.4M injection, providing an off-road link between Monash University and Croydon, Victorian Labor promised this week.

The commitment was contained in a list of infrastructure projects released at the launch of the ALP's bike policies for the 2010 election.

As well as providing an important connection for university students and staff, the corridor along the route contains schools, shopping centres, railway stations and other bike trip generators.

The funding pledge is a welcome breakthrough for the project, which has been in limbo while various agencies along the route have bickered over responsibilities and funding.

State Government push to unblock pipe trail

21 May 2009 Funding to perform a detailed study of the Pipe track was announced in the State Budget. Bicycle Network Victoria welcomes the arrival of this study first called for in July 2007. This should not reveal any major challenges and that the path construction can be funded in next year's program.

It is hoped that Whitehorse and Monash Councils swing their full support behind this project to benefit the many schools, shopping precincts, Activity Centres, Business Parks and Train Stations along this corridor.

Pipe trail blockage

18 June 2008. Discussions between stakeholders of the Pipe track appear to have stagnated after initial steps appeared positive. VicRoads had previously expressed interest in building the path with the City of Monash expressing support, having already started to construct some short sections.

The land owner of the pipe track corridor is Melbourne Water. It is our understanding that Melbourne Water are comfortable giving access to the space if specific conditions of maintenance, access and liability for the path are met.

Discussions with the City of Whitehorse and Melbourne Water have paused on this issue. Whitehorse City Council listed the project as a '0-4 year high priority' in their 2007 Bicycle Strategy 

Given the importance of this link not only to the region, but also the many schools and workplaces such as the Tally Ho Business precinct along this corridor, we believe this path deserves high priority. In practical terms there is little of a structural nature to delay this project.

You can help to unblock the pipe trail and show your support by writing to Whitehorse and Monash City Councils. Please keep it positive.

Feasibility Study

Jul 07 Bicycle Network Victoria has continued to raise the profile of this new route. We have discussed the trail with the Sport and Recreation Victoria, VicRoads, Department of Infrastructure and Parks Victoria.

All parties were positive and interested. We are hopeful that a feasibility study can be completed in the 07-08 financial year.

Missing east-west Link

Nov 06 Recently, Bicycle Network Victoria met with City of Whitehorse and consultants MGS to discuss a missing link in the existing pipe track reserve running from Mitcham Station to the Burwood Hwy (Melway 48 J10).

There are many shops, schools, parks and businesses along this route which would make it ideal for commuter and recreational cyclists.

The pipe track continues to Heatherdale Railway Station to the east and extends to the site of the EastLink project currently under construction (to be completed in 2008; shared path will run from Mitcham to Frankston).

 Issues examined during the meeting were a link through the Melbourne Water storage reservoir, crossings on Rooks Rd and Mitcham Road and a path along Lucknow St.

 The project is scheduled for implementation by City of Whitehorse in 3–4 years.