Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Bay Trail at Beaumaris underway

7 February 2013.  Construction has started on the crucial Bay Tail link from Cromer Road to Charman Road in Beaumaris. 

Bayside Council, VicRoads and the Department of Sustainability and the Environment have worked together to develop a plan which will complete the Trail from Brighton through to the border with the City of Kingston (refer pink section on map, right).

The new trail section has been designed to benefit the local environment by moving walkers from old paths that were damaging the sensitive cliff face area. This means a win for riders, walkers and the environment.

When the trail is complete, people will be able to travel along the entire length of Bay Trail within Bayside.  The trail is expected to be completed in April this year. Our efforts will now focus on completing the Path down to Mordialloc in the City of Kingston.

Bay Trail win at VCAT

29 October 2012. The Bay Trail at Beaumaris is underway again after local legal objections were thrown out at the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The crucial link from Cromer to Charman Road was stopped when a local conservation group appealed a Bayside Council decision to get the construction of the link underway. The group argued that the trail would result in vegetation loss.

The tribunal found the objection baseless, and found that the Trail provided a net benefit to the community.

VCAT Member Mr Michael Deidun said:

"Having regard to the various policy encouragement for both protection of native vegetation and the provision of recreational facilities, I find that the balance of net community benefit is to be achieved in this dispute by the removal of some native vegetation in order to provide the proposed recreational facility. I make this finding for the following reasons:

• The parcel of public land subject to the dispute is part of the coast to the Port Phillip Bay, which provides a valuable local, regional and metropolitan recreational resource. The benefit therefore to be gained from the provision of improved recreation resources on a site such as this is not a localised benefit, but rather a much broader one.
• Likewise, the recreational facility that is to be provided is an important link in a present gap of a broader shared path extending along this part of the Port Phillip Bay. It is an important consideration that the recreational facility to be provided here is not a minor asset to be enjoyed by a small portion of the community, but rather is a facility that is likely to be heavily used by a broad cross section of the surrounding population.
• In an age when public debate centres on topics such as rising obesity and the achievement of an appropriate work/life balance, it is appropriate that Councils and other authorities provide improved access to facilities to encourage outdoor activity and a healthier lifestyle. The proposed share path will assist to achieve these outcomes.
• Substantial efforts have been made to reduce the extent of vegetation removal. These have included the assessment of various alignment options through the foreshore reserve, and, having settled on the alignment that is before me, extensive discussions with VicRoads and DSE to seek to limit the amount of vegetation removal. This has resulted in an agreement from VicRoads to reduce the width of part of Beach Road so that as much of the shared path can be constructed within the road reserve, as is considered safe and practicable to allow.
• The quality of the vegetation to be removed is relatively low. It is vegetation that contains a substantial amount of weeds and is of a vegetation community which is classified as being of only medium conservation value.
• A net gain will be achieved which substantially exceeds the loss to be incurred. Therefore, while the vegetation removal should be avoided, in fact the removal of vegetation will result in actions being undertaken to the whole of this foreshore reserve which will achieve a substantial gain in the quality of native vegetation.

I am therefore of the view that a permit should issue for the proposed removal of native vegetation."

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 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.

Bay Trail approval granted

18 April 2012. The vital Cromer Road to Charman Road link on the Bay Trail in Beaumaris won the final planning approval from Bayside Council.

The application for a permit to remove native vegetation to make room for the planned extension from Cromer Road to Charman Road, Beaumaris was approved last night.

This will bring the next 850 metres of the trail to fruition.

The new trail section was designed to benefit the local environment by moving walkers from old paths that were damaging the sensitive cliff face area. This means a win for riders, walkers and the envionment.

The State Government committed $1.5M to the project in 2011 as part of the same deal which delivered the Beach Road car parking restrictions.

Bayside Progresses New Link -
Cromer Road to Charman Road

13 April 2012 The application for a permit to remove native vegetation to make room for the planned extension from Cromer Road to Charman Road, Beaumaris will be decided by Bayside City Council at the Planning Meeting this Tuesday 17 April. Progression of the planning permit is an important step forward in developing the 850 metre length of shared use trail.

Please come along to let Council know that you support the application and development of the Bay Trail in Beaumaris at the meeting next Tuesday – your voice needs to be heard to ensure there is good and even representation from the community.

Meeting Details
Date and Time: 7:00pm this Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Location: Brighton Council Chambers, Boxhall Street, Brighton

Register to be heard at the meeting
Don't forget to register to be heard. You can register online here.
Agenda Item No: 4.3
Item Name: Beach Road, Beaumaris (Foreshore Reserve)*
Registration to be heard at the meeting will close at 11:00am Tuesday 17 April.

Write to Bayside Council to show your support
Alternatively, if you can't speak at the meeting you can still make your voice heard. Please show your support for this Bay Trail planning application by writing to your Council.

Click here to tell Bayside City Council you support the Beaumaris Cromer Road to Charman Road Bay Trail extension and vegetation removal planning application.
 

If you wish to review the planning application documents, they can be found here.

The further information can be found unter section 4.3 of the planning committee agenda here.

28 March 2012  Bayside City Council is currently considering a planning application in association with the construction of the Bay Trail Shared Path between Cromer and Charman Roads, Beaumaris (as shown in purple on the adjacent map).

The application is for removal of native vegetation in association with construction of the Bayside Coastal Trail (commonly known as the Bay Trail).   Progression of the planning permit is an important step forward in developing the 850 metre length of shared use trail.

If you wish to review the planning application documents, they can be found here on the Bayside City Council website.

Bay Trail all at sea in Kingston

5 October 2011 Internal brawling at Kingston Council has set back the development of the next stage of the Bay Trail.

On Monday 26 September Kingston considered a report on the Bay Trail and its future development, but what should have been a logical and well thought out step forward to fill the gap in the path descended into a shambles.

In one of the more colourful council meetings that Bicycle Network Victoria has witnessed, members of the public and press were entertained by a sometimes outspoken and aggressive interchange between Councillors arguing for and against the bay Trail and which option for the route should be chosen.

A report to the council on the issue was strangely largely ignored by councillors once tabled. 

The Council Meeting Minutes and Biosis Report are available here.

The report was asked to consider the pros and cons of four alignments. The report, although detailed, was lacking a firm recommendation on the alignment and connecting elements.

The report's final recommendation by Council Officers was, "Council resolves that alignment option (to be inserted by Council) is / are to be progressed for the necessary statutory approval."

One has to wonder as to why the lengthy and detailed report was incapable of arriving at a recommended alignment for the path and instead the solution was left in the hands of the Councillors to work out for themselves on the eve of the Meeting.

Indeed on the day of the meeting Councillor Dundas submitted his take on a solution at 4:30pm. This unsatisfactory motion was, after much robust debate, passed five votes to four as being Council's alignment option to be inserted as their recommendation.

Given Kingston Council's previous strong support of bike riding and issues such as the Beach Road campaign, it is puzzling that such a poorly informed option was chosen.

Many aspects of the successful motion are not in line with the design guidelines which the report does highlight, including width of path, surface (granitic sand instead of a sealed path), bollards, gradient and DDA compatability, amongst other aspects.

The chosen alignment recommends directing bikes along the exisitng promenade despite the report stating this alignment will in fact require extensive upgrading to avoid major risk and liability issues.

The promenade option was seemingly chosen for ease and low cost implications despite the report stating that it would end up being the most expensive to become the Bay Trail. With limited external funding sources available Council may in fact have painted themselves into a very expensive corner that it will have to fund their own way out of.

It appears that a loss of parking is a major concern. Councillors seemed to be confused over where the back of kerb options would actually sit. The reality is that a back of kerb option in fact protects the parking.

The final recommended option also appears to lack local support and may not be supported by the very land owners and managers upon which the missing link resides. When it was suggested during the councillors debate that the relevant State Government departments and Ministerial correspondence should be entered into to help resolve the alignment, this was voted down. This would seem ironic given it is these agencies that own and manage the land.

Bicycle Network Victoria believes that a sensible report and alignment needs to be resolved to see this missing link built and will call upon the stakeholders to work together to an equitable solution. Council will be putting this recommended alignment out for public consultation.

The kerb side option has worked well in Port Phillip and Bayside and will help to address DSE's concerns over erosion that were considered when finalising the Cromer to Charman Rd section. Kerb side may not be the definitive answer for the entire length however until a robust report and consultation process is undertaken both the community and stakeholders will be left to lament the existing gap; one that has been debated for over 20 years.

We will call upon you to show your positive support for a more workable outcome than what is currently on the table.

Disappearing line-markings alarm riders

19 May 2011. Bicycle Network Victoria members have been raising the alarm about the disappearing bicycle lane markings along the Bay Trail in St. Kilda recently. Not to worry however, removing the lines is part of the maintenance regime that the City of Port Phillip is carrying out over the next little while. 

Late last year, it was announced that Port Phillip was to undertake a three-year plan to upgrade the Bay Trail within their borders, after the completion of an extensive audit of the route.

Removing the fainted and deteriorating lines is step one in a project to give this section of the Bay Trail a new surface treatment. The Council has described the surface treatment as a "pavecoat" liquid-like ashphalt, which will set on top of the current trail surface. This will seal any cracks in the trail, smooth the surface and improve consistency, with adequate slip resistance, as well as extend the life of the current surface. This process allows the surface to be upgraded in a fraction of the time and at much reduced cost compared to a full resurfacing.

Bicycle Network Victoria looks forward to the outcome. Make sure you write in with your comments once the project is complete. This is a different way to tackle the problem of aging and weathering off-road surfaces, and may prove to be beneficial.

As with everything these days, construction is subject to weather conditions (dry is most desireable), but when finished, the line paint that everyone is familiar with will be restored.

Bay trail links a step closer

20 April 2011. The vital section of the Bay Trail between Cromer and Charman Roads in Beaumaris is a step closer following agreement on the design treatment by the authorities involved.

Construction is proposed in the first half of 2012.

Bayside Council, VicRoads and the Department of Sustainability and the Environment have developed a plan which will complete the Trail from Brighton through to the border with the City of Kingston.

The design will improve the fragile beachside environment at the same time as improving access for riders and pedestrians along the coast.

The new section will be about 800 metres in length and will follow the verge of road so that it can be built with superior materials.

The State Government will contribute $1.5M to the project, which will follow the permanent implementation of the Beach Road No Stopping zones.

A small strip of vegetation will have to be removed (0.16ha) corresponding to a 2.0 metre width between Cromer Road and Wells Road and 3.0 metre width between Wells Road and Charman Road.

Four lookouts have been proposed, each with an existing access off the Trail. It is proposed to fence each lookout and where possible install a bench seat. The features will be designed to have minimal impact on the foreshore vegetation.

The closure of the coastal inland track and the development and construction of the lookouts will be completed after July 2012.

Port Phillip Council to renovate Bay Trail

8 November 2010. The City of Port Phillip will spend $170,000 in upgrades to the Bay Trail this year, following a comprehensive audit which identified shortcomings in the increasingly popular route.

Port Phillip Council has developed a three-year, $510,000 plan to renovate or otherwise upgrade and improve the Bay Trail in their municipality.

Projects intended to be carried out in 2010/11 include upgrades to:

• the corner of Pier Road and Beaconsfield Parade, heading north to Fraser St;
• St. Kilda marina, surrounding Riva and boat ramp path intersections;
• Sandridge Life Saving Club carpark and adjoining paths; and
• paths adjoining Princess Pier, Beacon Cove

Riders will be well aware of the poor alignment and general quality of the Pier Rd diversion of the Bay Trail. This section of the trail forces riders and other users to mix with vehicles in Pier Rd, and try to struggle through the mixed zone at St. Kilda foreshore while avoiding the many hazards presented to bike tyres from the wooden boardwalk and numerous bollards and other artisitic flourishes.

Bicycle Network Victoria welcomes improvements to this zone in the short-term, and applauds Port Phillip for considering a longer-term solution to the Pier Rd/St. Kilda foreshore area. The proposal captured in the audit, to bypass Pier Rd and the foreshore is the best long-term vision for the trail.

The other works improving path connections at the locations listed, with have considerable local impact on those areas in improving both the access and amenity of the Bay Trail in these areas.

Frankston fights Bay Trail options

30 September 2010. Frankston City Council is fighting back against calls that it should put all options on the table in the planning of the vital Bay Trail route into Frankston.

The council has told residents that because of previous community consultations in held 2003 it was not necessary to "spend yet more money on consultations that have already taken place".

The Lord Mayor, Cr Chris Richards has told ratepayers that her fellow councillors are "alarmed" that Bicycle Network Victoria is "misrepresenting" their views on the matter. Bicycle Network Victoria categorically denies the Mayor's assertions.

Bicycle Network Victoria maintains that the 2003 exercise was a consultation and as such was an assessment of various opinions about the route of the trail. It was not an objective, analytical investigation of the best route: it was a political assessment stakeholder attitudes to various routes. Council's 6 September 2010 agenda notes the lack of objective study into the impacts of locating the Bay Trail along both the Seaford Foreshore and Kananook Creek routes, and refers only to assumptions that have been made about both routes (page 31, paragraph 4, click here). Bicycle Network Victoria remains ready to receive at any time background documents that suggest otherwise, should they be made available.

What is now required is a careful assessment of engineering, conservation, financial and operational feasibility to ensure that the Bay Trail can connect to Frankston in an alignment which attracts the most riders and best benefits the community, without excessive cost to ratepayers and taxpayers.

In a positive outcome the Mayor has indicated that the possibility of a bike trail along the foreshore is still open.

"We have re-opened discussions with that Department about a track through the foreshore at the eastern side (abutting Nepean Hwy). If those discussions are favourable, Council could consider this track after the study and work on a railway alignment has been completed", she said.

Contrary to the Council's interpretation of the situation, Bicycle Network Victoria has all along been calling for a broad study into all possible options rather than a narrow focus on limited routes. The Mayor's amenability to additional studies is a welcome development.

Frankston Council to proceed with watered down options study for Bay Trail gap

7 September 2010. Last night, Frankston Council decided, against the advice of its own staff, to look at the railway line option for closing the gap in the Bay Trail between Seaford and Frankston.

There are currently three options which are possible routes for the Bay Trail: a) a route along the Kananook Creek, b) a route along the Seaford Foreshore, and c) a route along the railway line.

There are constraints and concerns with all three options. The railway line options will be expensive and might not be technically feasible. The Creek and Foreshore options are thought to have environmental constraints, but these have not been investigated objectively.

Bicycle Network Victoria supports a study into all options, and wrote to the Mayor on Monday expressing this view and asking for some amendments to the text of the agenda item that was under consideration. Click here to see a copy of the letter.

Council has chosen to limit themselves to studying only the feasibility of the railway line option. This is a bizzare conclusion. By their own admission, (see the agenda item here, page 28) objective study into all the options has not been undertaken. It is strange then that Council is essentially rejecting two options without any independent evidence.

Bicycle Network Victoria urges Council to reconsider their position and initiate a study of all the options. Only then will they be in a position to make an honest assessment of the best way forward. Continuing down the current path could easily result in no solution at all, and calls into question Council's interest in actually finishing this important section of the Bay Trail.

If you agree and think that Council should objectively review all three options, please write to the Councillors. 

Bay Trail gap to be closed thanks to Beach Road initiative

2 September 2010. Bayside City Council this week voted to approve a 12-month trial of No Stopping zones along Beach Road, and as a consequence, have activated $1.5 million in funding that will contribute to the construction of a back-of-kerb connection of the Bay Trail between Cromer Road and Charman Road.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas committed the funding as part of a an agreement that will improve the Bech Road corridor.

This is a significant win for the Bay Trail, and coming at the same as the success with the Beach Road No Stopping zones, it's been a good week.

Council on the right path

26 February 2009. After much deliberation Bayside Council has resolved to push ahead with designing Bicycle Network Victoria's preferred alignment.

There will be a sealed path behind the existing Beach Rd curb, making the path consistent with the majority of the Bay Trail in Bayside.

This alignment will provide good sight lines and minimise conflict with walkers, joggers, etc, with the option of the existing 'cliff top' path.

It also preserves the Beach Road width, which carries over 20,000 road riders on weekends

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Bayside Council to vote on missing southern link in Bay Trail

16 February 2009 Bayside City Council will vote to complete their section of the Bay Trail on Tuesday 17 February. The detailed proposal is available here.

We are, however, concerned that the proposal is to use a granitic surface. The Council staff recommendation  appears to be in direct conflict with Council documents, which state "The shared path is heavily used in Bayside by pedestrians and cyclists as well as people with prams and rollerbladers. The shared path also makes many areas of the Bayside foreshore accessible to those who may have a physical disability as the shared path surface allows for ease of access for wheelchairs and other walking aids as compared to the unmade surfaces of the coastal pedestrian pathways.".

A number of options were looked at when arriving at the proposed 'cliff top' solution. Bicycle Network Victoria believes a back-of-curb design behind the existing curb is the optimal solution .

Federal Funds go to the Bay Trail

15 January 2009. Bayside City Council has announced the lion's share of their recent funding received from the Federal government -- the $300m Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) -- is to go to the Bay Trail upgrade between Head and Bay Streets (refer below for details announced in June 08).

The Council is to be commended not only for the project development but for having the foresight to see cycling infrastructure as a perfect fit for federal funding. $250m of this program was distributed to Local Councils across the country in November.

The remaining $50m of the RLCIP is still to be allocated and is aimed at 'larger-scale community infrastructure to help deliver an additional injection of investment in communities; This will be competitive, application-based, accountable and open to only those projects seeking a minimum Commonwealth contribution of $2 million.' 

There is a wide range of bike projects ready to go across the country and we are encouraging Local Government to sieze this opportunity to raise cycling infrastructure as a responsible and worthwhile use of federal funds.

You can write to your local council and ask them to think bikes when considering their RLCIP application.

Bay Trail in Frankston gets funding

01 Dec 2008 Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced funding for Construction of the Bay Trail between Wells Street and Beach Street, under the Parks Victoria ‘Trails for a Liveable City’  initiative. This constitutes $250,000 as well as $45,000 construct trail between the Landmark Bridge and Dune Boardwalk.

This is good news for riders in a challenging part of the network. With the arrival of the EastLink path and potentially the Frankston Bypass also getting a bike path, the Bay Trail in Frankston takes on new significance in the network and will place further pressure on the City of Frankston and the State Government to mee the needs of increasing rider numbers to and through the area.

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Bayside Council looking to upgrade Bay Trail

 Jun 08. Designs have been drawn up to upgrade the Bay Trail between Head Street, Elwood, and Bay Street, Brighton.

Bayside Council officers have been thorough in their review of the path and intend the upgrade to reflect the high use of the path by riders and pedestrians.

This will make this section of path a more realistic commuter route for riders in the area and also help to address potential conflict on the path among users.

The proposal consists of realigning and widening the path whilst offering an attractive alternative for pedestrians closer to the water.

You can see the plans here.

Many sight line, pinch points and substandard elements of the path will be upgraded to meet today's expectations.

The City of Bayside is to be commended for their initiative. We encourage you to write and show your support.

Update on the Kilda foreshore redevelopment on the Bay Trail.

Dec 07 The redevelopment will remove the defined shared path and replace it with a much larger undefined space to be shared by walkers, runners, dog walkers and bike riders.

The Council is following an established, if somewhat leading edge approach, with this redevelopment. The concept behind this approach is most commonly associated with Hans Mondermann a Dutch traffic engineer who designs transport spaces without lanes, signs and signals. He aims to increase ambiguity so that drivers and others come out of ‘autopilot’ and have to work out what is going on. His aim is to increase cooperation through thoughtfulness. It appears Bendigo is taking a similar approach with one of its streets.

Bicycle Network Victoria has consistently said to the Mayor and staff at Port Phillip over a number of years that we have a number of concerns about this project.

We believe the undefined space may cause conflict between users.

We anticipate that the space will work at some times, for example early on a weekday morning. At those times there won’t be many walkers and riders should be able to find a sensible pathway through the area. However when the site is congested at midday on weekends for example it will be hard to know ‘where you are supposed to be’. This of course is the idea behind the design.

We have asked repeatedly for two things.

Subtle but effective indications about where people should be. This can be done for riders by paint, colour or edge tiling. Pedestrian areas can be made less attractive to riders through occasional areas of texture such as boardwalks to indicate the preferred areas for walkers. This is of course contrary to the design concept the Council wishes to follow.

An offroad alternative out the back of foreshore on Jacka Boulevard. Port Phillip doesn’t want to supply this because it is expensive and they are concerned at the impact on riders who use the road. We believe an off road facility can be designed on Jacka Boulevard that will be used by ‘road riders’.

There will be a lane on Jacka Boulevard but this will not suit the southbound rider wanting to detour around the new section nor will it help riders on the Bay Trail who do not want to ride on the road.

Although we have made these points repeatedly the Council has chosen to take another approach. This is reasonable as they are the land manager.

We will see how it turns out and advocate for the best possible result for all users – including riders.

Two steps forward and one step backwards for the City of Kingston

Oct 07 The City of Kingston has approved the 'foreshore' route for Stage 1 of the bay Trail project in Parkdale. Council is to be congratulated for choosing the best option for all trail users (see below for details of this route).

Unfortunately though, Council has chosen a compacted gravel surface instead of the recommended textured concrete surface. This is very disappointing. If constructed from gravel many users such as young children, roller bladers and wheelchairs will not be able to use the trail. It will also be far more expensive to maintain and will inevitably erode and form an unsafe riding surface.

We are seeking a briefing from Council to get more detail on the reasons for the decision and will then consider what should happen next. Keep up to date by registering for email me updates above.

City of Kingston seeks public comment

Sep 07 Well done to all those riders who attended the City of Kingston public information session on Wednesday 12 September.

Council will be voting on the trail alignment and the type of trail surface at a meeting on Wednesday 24 September at 1230 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham. The meeting starts at 7.00pm. Your support attending on the night will help make sure a concrete 'foreshore' trail is constructed.

Council are proposing a high quality concrete for Stage 1a and 1b (see below for diagram) of the Bay Trail project in Parkdale/Mordialloc. The trail will cater for bike riders, walkers and skaters and will be located on the existing sandy 'goat track' between roadside vegetation and the beach. Bicycle Network Victoria strongly supports the proposed trail alignment because it:

• Provides a high quality trail that will get more people cycling more often.
• Avoids conflicts between trail users and cars entering and leaving foreshore car parks.
• Minimises vegetation removal, especially when compared to options for a roadside trail.
• Has no effect on high intensity training cyclists on Beach Road.
• Has no effect on roadside parking and traffic flow on Beach Road.

We would also like to see a minimum width of 3 metres and the trail surface to be concrete. A granitic sand trail will not be as safe for riders and walkers, will require expensive ongoing maintenance, and will attract less users.

Bicycle Network Victoria strongly opposes the alternative proposed by a small but vocal group for the trail to be built directly adjacent to Beach Road in the Section 1 area. We oppose this because:

• A parking or traffic lane would have to be removed to accommodate the bike path. This will impact on beach users, motor vehicle traffic and the thousands of road riders who use Beach Road every weekend
• This section of Beach Road is four lanes wide, very straight and carries significant heavy vehicle traffic making a roadside trail unsafe and unappealing for riders.
• Many trees would have to be removed to accommodate this option.
• A trail along the roadside would not promote an active and healthy community in Kingston as it would not be suitable for the very people an off-road trail is constructed to attract - families and inexperienced riders.
• Bike riders would have to cross a number of off street car parks that do not have any controlled entry or exit points - this is extremely unsafe for bike riders.

Kingston Council working to close the Bay Trail Gap

May 07 Council have committed to closing the gap in the Bay Trail at Parkdale but are facing some opposition from a small number of noisy local residents. If you are a bike rider who would like to see a safe and appealing trail built, now is a good time to show your support for Council's proposal (details below).

The local media is the best place to show your support at the moment. A more balanced representation in the local media could give council the courage it needs to go ahead with its proposal.  Send your thoughts to moorabbin@leadernewspapers.com.au (www.moorabbinkingstonleader.com.au) and fcnvic_chelseaedit@fairfax.com.au and remember to keep it positive. 

Another good way to show support for the council proposal is to call or email the local member, Janice Munt, who has at times opposed the proposal. Her number is 9584 4013 or email janice.munt@parliament.vic.gov.au

Project Details

Stage 1 of the Bay Trail from Beamauris through Parkdale to Mordialloc (~4.5km) is now being considered by council. You can download the plans for stage 1 (PDF 1.12MB) or the whole section (PDF 938 KB).

Bicycle Network Victoria strongly supports the council’s proposal for Stage 1 of the project because:

• it will provide a safe and enjoyable riding experience, which is currently unavailable for families and inexperienced riders
• there will be no negative impact on the foreshore environment, no trees will be removed
• it will be constructed on an existing informal trail that traverses wide areas of open parkland
• the existing informal trail is sandy and unsafe for riders, narrow and causing erosion
• the proposed trail will be wide enough to greatly improve sharing of the trail between bike riders and walkers. 

Charman Rd to Mordialloc Creek Gap

May 05 Kingston City Council approved a concept plan to complete the long-awaited missing link in the Bay Trail in Kingston from Charman Rd to Mordialloc Creek at their April meeting.

This reflects the overwhelming community support for a quality off-road path which will cater for families and novice bike riders.

One hundred and eight people made submissions in support of the trail, with only four opposing the trail.

Bicycle Network Victoria's Cycling Development team walked the length of the proposed trail in December 2004. We support the alignment utilising existing 'goat tracks' along the foreshore and locating the trail along Beach Rd in front of the Mentone Hotel.

We have also discussed the plans with Kingston Bicycle Users Group.

Bicycle Network Victoria's submission to Kingston Council

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the plans. We think this is an exciting concept which will complete one of the last missing sections in the trail between Port Melbourne and Carrum and offer a high quality experience for recreational bike riders, including families and retirees.

The Bay Trail is part of Melbourne’s Metropolitan Trail Network and the proposal will provide a good quality, safe, accessible and continuous shared-use pathway between Mentone and Mordialloc. Not only will it benefit residents of Kingston, but also attract visitors to the area.

We have walked the length of the proposed trail and support the concept plan which shows the trail alignment utilising existing informal paths for most of the length. The advantages of the proposed trail alignment are:

• offers greater separation from noise and traffic on Beach Rd, especially for children and family groups;
• avoids most of the car park and driveway crossings, of which there are over a dozen;
• best suits major user type (families, recreational riders). Speedy training cyclists will continue to use Beach Rd.
• allows existing parking on verge to be maintained
• voids potential conflict with numerous bus stops and utility poles
• acknowledges ‘desire line’ of movement along the foreshore. Providing a good quality pathway allows for other existing informal ‘goat tracks’ to be revegetated.

Specific comments on the concept plans

Naples Rd to Mentone Pde – We are happy for the trail to go along Beach Rd at this location (Option A) to avoid sensitive vegetation area, provided there is adequate separation from road traffic. The path should be maintained as ‘shared use’.

Bridges over the top of beach access ramps at Genoa St and Mundy St are an attractive feature that also address topography issues.

Parkdale Kiosk – Potential conflict with kiosk patrons could be reduced if the trail is realigned to the Beach Rd side at this location (with connections to the kiosk for those who want to stop)

We look forward to discussing in greater detail once council has determined a final alignment in response to the public consultation.

Bayside Council continues reassessment of Bay Trail

Jun 07 Council have committed to solve the many conflict points currently on the path near North Rd and adjacent to the North Point Cafe and carpark.

With up to 3,500 riders per day this is Melbourne's busiest recreational path. Growing numbers of riders and pedestrians raised the potential for conflict and so Bayside Council resolved to reassess this issue.

By utilising the ample road space and reconfiguring the alignment and crossing points the design team was able to find a viable solution to suit all users. With high numbers of pedestrian movements not only along the path but also to and from the carpark, playground and cafe it was a complex scenario for Council to navigate. We congratulate Bayside Council for their innovation.

St Kilda Foreshore redevelopment begins

Apr 07 The redevelopment of the St Kilda foreshore around the St Kilda baths has begun and will cause some inconvenience for riders on the Bay Trail. The City of Port Phillip is asking riders to be very careful when riding through the area as space will be restricted. At certain times riders will be asked to dismount.

The redevelopment will result in a promenade between the baths and the beach that is wider than the current separate walking and bike paths.

Port Phillip Council to build foreshore trail at Elwood.

Mar 07 The City of Port Phillip has notified all those people who wrote in support of a foreshore trail at Elwood that it will be constructed as planned (link at right).

This is great news for riders as there will now be a safe and direct trail to replace the current route, which is indirect and has dangerous blind corners.

In the end council, with the support of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, became aware that it did not need a planning permit for the project. Council has therefore decided to follow the recommendations of the Concept Plan and construct a foreshore path.

Thank you to the many people who wrote to council showing support for the new trail route. You may also like to send an email to the mayor congratulating council on their decision.

Bay Trail - FINA World Swimming Championships

Mar 07 Bicycle Network Victoria were advised of the following disruption to the Bay Trail in St Kilda.

“Please be advised that from the 10th of March 2007 to the 30th of March, 2007, there will be disruptions to the bike path adjacent to Jacka Blv, St Kilda (within the vicinity of the Beachcombers Café) for the duration of the Open Water Swimming event as part of the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships. Please look out for pedestrians crossing over the bicycle path as they enter and exit the various compounds during these dates. Thanking you for your understanding. The World Swimming Championships Corporation”. 

A good trail realignment at Elwood is being challenged

Feb 07 The City of Port Phillip have proposed to move the Bay Trail to run next to the existing foreshore pedestrian trail at Elwood. This realignment will remove a number of blind corners on the existing trail that are dangerous for bike riders and pedestrians. It will also be more direct for riders and completely separate them from motor vehicle traffic.

The design of the upgrade is shown in the document link at the right of this page.

A small number of objections to the proposal have been lodged, mainly by users of the foreshore buildings, and the council is now seeking comment from the wider community. Letters supporting the council’s position now far outweigh objections and council will be considering feedback in coming weeks.

Bicycle Victoria strongly supports the project because:

• The current trail has many dangerous blind corners and is very indirect;
• Any potential conflict with the relatively infrequent and low number of users of the boat sheds and bike riders is well managed by the current design; and
• The Bay Trail is Melbourne's most popular trail regularly carrying over 4000 rider per day and is in desperate need of upgrading through Elwood; and
• Any trail alignment that is behind the boat sheds cannot provide a safe, direct or continuous trail.

Bayside City Council gives bikes priority

Mar 07 In great news for bike riders and pedestrians the Bayside City Council has given shared path users priority over motor vehicles entering and exiting foreshore car parks and streets that cross the Bay Trail Shared Path.

The new rules require motorists to give right of way to pedestrians, cyclists and other users on the path, whereas previously the path users had to give way.

See the council flyer (PDF 1016KB) and our January 2007 update (below) for more information.

Bayside re-evaluating priority

Jan 07 Bayside City Council are currently reviewing the Bay Trail and will implement a consistent approach to the many crossings along the trail.  

There are a large number of scenarios where the trail has a clear priority over entries to car parks and other areas on the beach side. Delineated with continuous colour pavement and line-marking with ‘Give Way’ signage to motorists reinforced by speedhumps, these crossings serve all users of the space well.

However there are many other instances where this is not the case, often causing confusion to drivers and riders alike.

The Bay Trail has grown in popularity and will see almost 5,000 riders over a weekend and so Bayside Council have recognised the need to reassess the quality of the path to help ensure a better user experience for all.

Bicycle Network Victoria strongly supports Bayside in giving bikes priority over vehicles along the Bay Trail and will be looking for other councils to follow suit.

Premier Announces Bay Trail Link into Frankston

Jul 06 Premier Bracks announced that the state government will contribute over $1 million to build a shared-use trail into Frankston. This construction will close a critical missing link in the Bay Trail and will be well used by recreational and commuter riders.

Sandridge Beach - Bay Trail

May 06 The City of Port Phillip has finished a 500 metre section of the bike path along Sandridge Beach, which connects the existing Bay Trail to the bike path just finished in front of the Beacon Cove Development.

Mayor and local Sandridge Ward councillor, Janet Bolitho, said at the opening of the new trail "This means that the bike path now runs pretty much uninterrupted from the Yarra in Fishermens Bend along the bay to Mentone. This bike path is already the most heavily used in Australia so the completion of two missing links is likely to attract even more cyclists. It’s great news for residents and even better news for the cycling world" 

Bay Trail (Brighton Baths)

May 05 As can be seen from this aerial shot, construction on the missing link in the Bay trail at Middle Brighton baths is well under way. Construction is due to be completed in the second half of this year. Bicycle Network Victoria is happy to see construction begin after a 6-year long campaign and believes that, once complete, this facility will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come. Congratulations to all those people who helped us in our campaign. The completion of this gap means that cyclists will be able to ride continuously, off-road from Beaumaris to Port Melbourne (except for a small gap in the trail in St Kilda). This will provide a safe and enjoyable riding environment for cyclists of levels. Cyclists in the west can easily try out this latest section of the Bay Trail by taking the Westgate Punt across the Yarra River from outside Science Works museum in Spotswood to Fishermens Bend. On the other hand, cyclists from the east can cross the Yarra River to explore the bay trail from Spotswood to Altona and stop in one of the many cafes and restaurants in Williamstown.

Top Left: Aerial view of construction from Bay St to Middle Brighton Baths Left: Construction (Feb 05) Below: Construction from Bay St (Feb 05)