Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Nepean roundabout result

21 February 2013. Melbourne’s beachside training routes are set to become more harmonious for riders, with new technology being trialed at a Mordialloc roundabout.

The intersection of McDonald Street and Nepean Highway sees significant numbers of riders passing through, owing to its location just near the turning point of the popular North Road Ride training loop, which returns to St Kilda along Beach Road.

A flashing sign, activated by detector loops under the road, will alert drivers exiting McDonald St to the presence of cyclists. The loops have the ability to differentiate between cars and bikes, triggering a prominent flashing sign.

Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, said that “the new bike detection and cyclist activated warning signage is expected to increase driver awareness of cyclists as they exit McDonald St”.

Between 2005 and 2009, there were four serious incidents of vehicles exiting McDonald St colliding with southbound cyclists on Nepean Highway, and the $310,000 trial is set to reduce the risk of this occurring again.

Owing to the bad history of the roundabout, Bicycle Network has been agitating for a solution and welcome this result.

The innovative new infrastructure, devised by VicRoads, is a win for the thousands of riders passing this point every week, and generated considerable media exposure of riders’ rights in the area by featuring on Channel 9 News and in local papers.

Although the trial is undergoing an evaluation in three months to determine its efficacy, we think the technology has great potential to use on other busy bike routes – indeed, there is already another such sign proposed for a bad intersection in Melbourne’s northwest.

L-R : Terry Mulder (Minister for Roads), Lorraine Wreford (Member for Mordialloc),  John Cain and Keith Leonard (Bicycle Network members)

A better Beach Road to ride 

We noticed that some of the nature strip in Black Rock was growing over the gutter and onto Beach Road.  So our team members, Jason, Sash and Jess headed out one Thursday to clean up Beach Road and make it a better place for you to ride.

Bikes still outnumber cars four-to-one

29 October 2012. Despite steady showers during this years' annual traffic count on Beach Road, bikes still account for over 80% of vehicles along Beach Road between 6am and 10am on weekend mornings.

Discussions with riders since the No Stopping Zones were introduced have revealed that riders and drivers both are in favour and this year's count is further confirmation that Bayside and Kingston Councils made the right decision in supporting the initiative.

Rain saw both rider and car numbers drop (refer graph below). With crash rates for all road users plummeting since the No Stopping Zone's introduction.

Bayside Council to go all the way. Maybe.

Let common sense prevail - make the No Stopping Zones on weekend 6-10am permanent

28 May 2012 A core group of supportive Bayside City councillors have submitted a rescission motion so the successful Beach Road No Stopping Zones can be locked in permanently.

On May 8 Council voted in support of the No Stopping Zones, but only for another twelve months. While this was a welcome result for the tens of thousands of Victorians who ride Beach Road every weekend there was general disbelief the council hadn't locked the changes in permanently.

The evidence is clear the trial has been a resounding success and all road users have benefited and the 12 month trial has left a confused picture where it seems council are threatening to make Beach Road unsafe again in twelve months time.

As the VicRoads statistics below clearly illustrate, the case for the trial is clear and the No Stopping Zones should be locked in permanently. It is hard to see what council hopes to gain by another 12 month trial.

Beach road trial a smashing-free success

8 May 2012. The 18-month long trial of early morning no-stopping zones for weekend riders on Beach Road has been a dramatic success with the number of riders smashing into parked cars dropping to zero from an average of seven.

The number of other crashes involving bike riders dropped from 16 to seven.

Video camera studies of riders since the changes has recorded that rider behaviour is much improved with decreases in riding more than two abreast and decreases in bunches riding across more than one lane. Drivers are now giving riders more space.

Bayside City votes tonight to make the trial permanent.

This is a major victory for the riders who fought side-by-side with Bicycle Network Victoria to get this reform across the line.

The reduced number of injuries alone would justify the $20,000 cost of the parking changes, which ban parking on the road from 6am to 10am on weekends when between five and seven thousand riders cruise the famous Route 33.

The length of Beach Road controlled by Bayside Council was a notorious location for bike collisions because the occasional parked car forced groups of riders to change lanes frequently. Often a rider would fail to notice the parked vehicle and slam into it at full speed.

Bicycle Network campaigned long and hard to get the parking changes made. Neighbouring councils, Port Phillip and Kingston, agreed to the changes early but Bayside held out from 2006 onwards as the crash toll mounted.

Finally the Roads Minister in the former Labor state government, Tim Pallas, stepped in and caused the council to come to its senses.

The review of the trial found that of the remaining crashes, the Balcombe Road intersection was the main culprit.

The video surveillance also showed that the changes have reduce delays for motorists. And pedestrians had a clearer view of traffic as riders were no longer spread across the road.

Surveys of parking availability shows that there was always large amounts of vacant parking in the foreshore car parks even though the street parking was banned.

The council report concludes that the changes have improved the overall experience of Beach Road for all users.

No-mans-land no more

21 March 2012. VicRoads has completed a new lane configuration on Beach Road as it approaches South Road, establishing a clearer alignment for bike riders heading south and lessening conflict with motor vehicles.

This is a notorious section for conflict among road users along route 33, as vehicles try to turn left into South Road, the train station and the nearby hotel.

Riders have complained consistently since the earlier redesign that they felt 'lost' along the long stretch of road on the approach, with vehicles passing them on both sides and road users unsure of which lane they should be in.

After deliberating with VicRoads design staff and Beach Road Advisory member and longtime regular Beach Road rider, John Cain, Bicycle Network Victoria welcomes the reconfigured lanes with chevroned area. Riders are telling us it is a great improvement.

In time we hope that the chevroned area can become a curb outstand with provision for bikes to pass and so better organise road users between the left turn and southbound movements.

A report is due in May to assess the success of the No Stopping trial along Beach Road by Bayside Council.

Corridor Strategy adopted by Bayside

6 September 2011 Bayside Councillors voted on 23 August 2011 to adopt the Beach Rd Corridor Strategy and to await the final assessment of the No Stopping Zone trial in coming months. The full resolution is available here.

Our attention now swings toward the upcoming assessment report. We are hopeful that the No Stopping Zones will be retained on a permanent basis given the positive feedback from all road users and the dramatic drop in conflict which both riders and drivers have enjoyed since November last year.

And that's not all... South Road intersection to be reconfigured. Again.

7 September 2011 VicRoads has informed us that they are currently working on redesign options of the South Rd intersection . Riders have been scathing of the reconfiguration which was done as part of the New St Rail level crossing closure network impacts.

Riders and drivers are coming into conflict and experiencing an uncertainty of where the correct lanes are on the southbound approach to the intersection. This is due to a vast kerb side lane which lacks clarity for all road users and leaves riders feeling'lost' in the middle of the road with vehicles attempting to pass on both sides. The northbound lanes were also reduced in width to accomodate a new right turn lane. This turn lane was introduced to appease locals' concerns about the lack of access due to losing the New St level crossing.

VicRoads have committed to seeking Bicycle Network Victoria's feedback and we will report on the results once in hand.

Consultation closed

Mon 20 June 2011. The Stakeholder Reference Group has closed off the consultation after receiving a significant number of submissions from riders. Thank you everyone who wrote.

Let Bayside know what you think about the No Stopping

The Stakeholder Reference Group working on the improvments to Beach Road have asked for feedback from users of Beach Road on both the ‘No Stopping’ trial and the draft treatment options for the Beach Road Strategy that are outlined in this attached document.

The Council have extended the deadline for feedback and have told us they will accept your comments if you submit them by the end of this weekend.

They are happy to take comments by email and this email (link removed) has been laid out in their preferred format. If you ride on Beach Road or the Bay Trail or use the 'corridor' in any way, please give Bayside your feedback.

Our priorities in the Strategy are:

• Maintain the No Stopping Zones after 12 month trial period
• Black Rock Roundabout addressed
• Reinstate South Rd Intersection as per Consultants design tabled in June meeting
• Road cross section in Beaumaris addressed to minimize kerb outstands and widen bike lane between Keys St and Mundy St
• Address conflict with existing parking southbound south of Balcombe Rd, Black Rock
• Address conflict with existing parking southbound on Ormond Esplanade south of Glenhuntly Rd 

Parked car problem confirmed

24 March 2011. Bike collisions with parked cars were much higher in Beach Road than in other Melbourne locations, a recent study has confirmed.

Just over 20 per cent of all crashes involving cyclists along the Route 33 study zone resulted from collisions with parked cars.

This figure is 17 per cent larger than the percentage of incidents of the same type in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

The data comes from a five year period prior to the recent implementation of the Beach Road No Stopping zones on weekend mornings.

The numbers refutes claims from opponents of the No Stopping safety initiative that the parked cars were not a risk to riders.

The findings come from an issues paper undertaken by Traffix Group as part of the Beach Road Corridor Strategy.

The most problematic region is in the vicinity of Beach Road and Balcombe Road where there have been 25 crashes in the five year period, which alone accounts for 7.5 per cent of all the accidents along Beach Road.

Injuries were more severe on Beach Road. Twenty per cent more of the total crashes resulted in serious injuries to cyclists than was the case in the Melbourne metropolitan area as a whole.

New bike lanes on Beaconsfield

21 February 2011. Work has started on a new section of bike lane in Beaconsfield Parade, West St Kilda, filling in an annoying missing section from Langridge to Mary Street.

Beaconsfield Parade is part of Route 33, the hugely popular bay side stretch from Port Melbourne to Mordialloc.

The changes are being undertaken by the City of Port Phillip. They are part of a series of improvements the council has made to the route through St Kilda.

In addition to the benefit to bicycle users, the proposal will involve kerb extension at intersections and extension of the nature strip at the north eastern side.

This will provide shorter distance between the north eastern footpath and the median of Beaconsfield Parade should pedestrian choose to access these spaces.

The extension will remove the ambiguity of vehicle lanes particularly at the section between Cowderoy Street and Mary Street.

No Stopping ready to start

28 October 2010. The Beach Road "No Stopping" signs are appearing in preparation for the official start of the trail of a parked car free Route 33 on Saturday 6 November.

Bayside City has been erecting signs along the road since October 18, but they will remain covered until the 12 month trial starts.

The "No Stopping Zone" will be from 6am to 10 am on Saturdays and Sundays, the times of peak bike rider use.

Bayside has written to residents alerting them to the changes, asking them to plan ahead to ensure that family, friends and visitors park safely and legally.

The Council has suggested to residents that during the first two weeks of the trial it may not enforce the new rules, a policy sure to come under scrutiny from the members of the legal fraternity who regularly ride the route.

Latest count in

22 September 2010. The latest numbers of weekend bikes and vehicles on Beach Road, which show that numbers stay strong even in unfavourable weather, are available here.

Bayside sets October target

15 September 2010. The 12 month trial of "No Stopping" zones along Beach Road is expected to start next month, as Bayside Council clicks into gear.

Although the council voted to support the trial at its last meeting, it is seeking further details on the State Government funding which has been offered for the project.

Bicycle Network Victoria understands that Roads Minister Pallas is keen for the project to begin as soon as possible, and that the Government will not stand in the way of an early start.

The sooner the "No Stopping" signs go in the better: another rider was injured running into the back of a parked car last Sunday.

The VicRoads evaluation criteria to determine the performance of the No Stopping trail, which were developed in conjunction with Council officers, are:

1. Community Safety – analysis of all recorded incidents and accidents including VicRoads Crash stats, Sandringham Hospital crash data analysis and any incidents reports to VicRoads or the councils.
2. Cyclist Behaviour – including video surveillance and Police reports to measure number of occasions riders ride more than 2 abreast in situations when not over-taking; ride in more than one lane; do not maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front; travel in a group that exceeds 30; red light running; do not use hand signals; or breach any other Road Rules.
3. Impact on motorists - measure the extent to which cyclist packs delay motorists.
4. Impact on pedestrians – measure the extent to which cyclist packs delay pedestrians crossing Beach Road at selected places of pedestrian concentrations.
5. Impact of noise – sample survey of local residents to determine any perceived changes in noise levels associated with cyclists.
6. Vehicle parking – measure the occupancy rates and usage patterns of vehicle parking in the foreshore carparks and intersecting streets.
7. Impact of local business – sample survey of local businesses to determine if the trial has had any impact on their business.
8. Recreational amenity – sample survey of cyclists to measure levels of satisfaction with their total experience of accessing and using the Bay Trail and/or Beach Road.

A key objective of the Council will be community engagement and consultation, with a focus on "creating a genuine dialogue with and between the community, opinion leaders, and stakeholders."

"Public consultation on the proposed community engagement process for the Corridor Strategy must include the appointment of a key stakeholder reference group, a Council report says.

"Representatives of the reference group should include: VicRoads; Port Phillip and Kingston City Councils; Victoria Police; Bicycle Network Victoria; Cycle Sport Victoria; The Amy Gillett Foundation; Sandringham and District Memorial Hospital; Monash University Accident and Research Centre (MUARC); Department of Public Transport; RACV; Parks Victoria; Department of Sustainability and Environment; Commercial groups and Community groups.

Bayside onside for Beach Road

1 September 2010. After years of stalling and dithering, Bayside City Council showed its previously hidden good side last night and approved the trial of weekend morning No Stopping Zones on Beach Road.

This is a massive win for Melbourne's riders who have in recent years flocked to the iconic Route 33 in their thousands, turning it into one of the world's most popular bike fitness excursions.

The No Stopping zones have the potential to significantly lessen the risk of crashes and conflict along the road. Occasional parked cars were forcing riders to weave in and out of the left lane, and inevitably there were crashes.

In a double bonus for riders, the council has also accepted an offer from the State Government to construct a missing link in the off-road Bay Trail, greatly improving the riding environment for those wanting to ride the Bay in a more relaxed, car-free environment.

The decision means that Bayside will join its neighbouring councils, Port Phillip and Kingston, in the installation of the No Stopping Zones and in the monitoring of rider and driver movements over the next 12 months.

If the changes are shown to have reduced risk they will be made permanent.

Last night's crucial vote got over the line when Cr Simon Russell joined long established supporters of Beach Road riders, Cr Felicity Frederico, and Cr Michael Norris in supporting the trial.

Read the Bayside media release on the decision.

The person to whom riders owe the most thanks is Roads Minister, Tim Pallas. The Minister persisted, enduring rebuff after knockback, keeping at the task until the job was done. Please write to Mr Pallas, telling him of your appreciation.

The date when the trial starts will be known soon and you will be provided with full details when they are available.

Naturally, when the trial begins all eyes will be on riders on Route 33, and every minor transgression will be reported, and the end of the world will be declared.

Riders have to face up to the reality that there are a small proportion of nasty, uncaring and conflict causing riders out on Beach Road. They seem determined to wreck it for the rest of us.

We can't let that happen. 

Beach Road breakthrough beckons

28 August 2010. Bayside City Council and the State Government are close to a deal to introduce No Stopping zones on Beach Road, closing the five year battle to rid the massively popular riding route of parked car hazards.

The council is expected to agree on Tuesday to an offer of $1.5M in State Government funds in exchange for an immediate start to a 12 month trial of the 6am to 10am, Saturday and Sunday No Stopping Zones along the 17 kilometre stretch of Route 33.

The $1.5M will be used for new pedestrian crossings and a contribution towards the completion of the off-road Bay Trail bike path for recreation riders through Bayside. This will be of great benefit for the local community and to riders who prefer their recreation away from traffic.

Neighbouring councils have already introduced the No Stopping zones, and according to information from VicRoads, recent video observation has indicated that the measure has noticeably reduced risk to riders.

The parked cars, although few in number, were regularly ran into by riders who were unable to seem them when riding in large groups. Additionally, riders were required to moved in and out of traffic to get around the cars, causing further strife and conflict with drivers.

Surveys have shown up to 6000 riders on Beach Road of a weekend morning, outnumbering cars four to one. The riders numbers are steadily increasing year by year.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas stubbornly persisted in pushing the Beach Road initiative, although some local councillors remained opposed. But as evidence continued to emerge supporting the value of the changes, and the realisation hit come that knocking back the Minister would deny their ratepayers many benefits, councillors have moved in favour of the plan.

The official council report to be considered on Tuesday recommends the acceptance of the Minister's offer, whilst reserving the right to remove the zones at the end of 12 months if an evaluation were to show them ineffective.

Keeping riders tuned in

25 August 2010. Bicycle Network Victoria took to the streets last weekend to engage Beach Road riders and keep them up to date with developments in the campaign for Beach Road No Stopping zones.

Our team set up outside Cafe Racer on Sunday morning and briefed riders on progress and urged them to be ready to charge the battlements again should Bayside Council backslide again.

Among the riders who gave their backing to the campaign was actor, Eric Bana, who was out giving Route 33 some healthy punishment. 

Many riders entered the competition for a free bike service at The Freedom Machine… the three winners were Caroline Page, Joe Dema & Jeff Sharp.

For a copy of the information handed out to riders click here.

Port Phillip goes hard on Jacka Boulevard and Marine Parade

22 June 2010. Riders will have noticed a significant change along Route 33 in the City of Port Phillip, with even more to come in the near future.

Council recently took the courageous step to remove approximately 80 parking spots along Jacka Boulevard, between Luna Park and the Sea Baths.

In their place is a wide bike lane. During the last 12 months parking spots were indented on the west side approaching Fitzroy St, meaning that riders can now proceed through this often challenging stretch unencumbered. This is a fantastic result for the 20,000 plus riders who are riding on road through this section each weekend.

To the south the outbound half of the road is currently under review with the median being narrowed so that a bike lane can be accomodated between Luna Park and Dickens St.

Minister offers Bayside a way forward on No Stopping Zones

18 June 2010 Bayside Council will yet again reconsider No Stopping Zones on Route 33 on June 22.
The Council report to be considered next Tuesday is available here.

Ban begins on Beach Road

29 April 2010. Kingston City has taken the first steps with the Beach Road "No Parking" trial, a long awaited advance in the campaign for a low-risk riding environment on Australia's favourite fitness route.

The first signs have gone in and riders report that there are already less parked car hazards to dodge around on their early morning, weekend excursions.

Kingston is to be congratulated on moving quickly to get the signs in place. Bayside Council remains regrettably recalcitrant, saying it will participate only if the State Government first coughs up cash for a range of community facilities in the locality.

Demanding the pay-off before, rather than after the trial, was a major tactical mistake by Bayside—one guaranteed to put the Government off-side.

Bicycle Network Victoria continues to discuss the issue with the Government and the Council. There is certainly a case for additional improvements along Beach Road which would benefit cyclists.

There is probably a compromise available which would bring the council over the line and into the trial, but that also bring some additional improvements to the Beach Road route which would benefit road users, especially riders.

Bayside: No Beach Road trial . . . unless

17 February 2010. Bayside Council has dampened hopes for a rapid implementation of the Beach Road 'No Stopping' zone trial, imposing a weighty set of conditions to be met before it will swing into line with neighbouring municipalities.

The Council wants the Government to prepare a comprehensive safety strategy for the route, including a long shopping list of local amenity improvements, before it will consider agreeing to the trial.

One Council request is for the provision of indented car-parking along the foreshore, sure to create a whole new set of risks for road users.

The welfare of the 9000 strong weekend riding community rated well down the order when the council considered the issue.

 From the Bayside website:

Bayside Mayor Cr Clifford Hayes said Council believed that the introduction of ‘No Stopping’ provisions on Beach Road in isolation would not resolve safety considerations for cyclists and other road users.... “The State Government needs to ensure any decisions deal with all safety concerns and do not favour one user group to the detriment of others,” Cr Hayes said.'

It now seems that where risks are reduced on the road, and cyclists benefit, this is a 'favour' which may arouse jealousy in some other group and therefore is to be avoided. 

Some of the council suggestions have merit. And a comprehensive strategy is a worthy long term objective. But the trial needs to come first so that data is collected to enable informed decisions on other possible measures.

Figures the councillors had in front of them clearly established that the number of parked vehicles at these times is negligible and there are many available parking spaces in local streets and beachside carparks.

The list of conditions also include some that are difficult to measure and therefore hard to prove that the conditions have been met.

Although the Council fell short of dismissing the proposal outright they may have effectively done so with this list of conditions.

Too much is at stake to allow this mess to continue unresolved. Port Phillip and Kingston councils have already made or agreed to changes.

Bicycle Network Victoria implores the Minister for Roads and Ports to intervene and make the road conditions in Bayside consistent with those in Port Philip and with the changes proposed by Kingston.

Will Bayside pass the Beach Road test?

12 February 2010. Port Phillip and Kingston Councils have now both met their responsibilities to improve the risky riding environment on Beach Road: will the City of Bayside rise to the challenge?

The Council meets this Tuesday to make its decision on the proposal. Councillors hold in their hands the welfare of the ten thousands of men and women who ride the route every weekend.

Bayside last had the opportunity to display leadership on this issue in 2007 when it considered a proposal for "No Stopping' zones on Beach Road, but the then Council foolishly rejected the proposal.

The Council has this week received a detailed report recommending that it adopt the proposal on a trial basis, as has neighbouring council, Kingston.

Bicycle Network Victoria has written to each Bayside councillor, outlining the rationale for the safety improvements and urging them to support the measure.

Benefits far outweigh negatives, says Kingston Council

9 February 2009. Kingston Councilors last night decided to proceed with the 'No Stopping Zones' trial on Route 33.

This is a great result, not only for riders but also drivers and other road users.

After a robust debate, Councilors conceded that to do nothing was no longer an option. Credit goes to all the Kingston residents who wrote to show their support after we sent this urgent call to action on Friday evening. It was a close run thing, with a 6-3 vote being recorded. Councilors were also given this document to consider on the night.

The most telling part of the report was this:

The implementation of the No Stopping restrictions as outlined in this report will improve road safety, improve mobility of both motorists and cyclists and reduce the number accidents involving cyclists and associated financial and medical costs for serious injuries and/or death.

The proposal was developed to address crashes involving cyclists and parked vehicles. It is expected that the benefits achieved from this proposal will far outweigh any negative impacts.

Now the focus will shift to the City of Bayside. With Beach Road now 'bookended' by Kingston and Port Phillip 'No Stopping Zones' riders will expect Bayside City Council to reconsider this opportunity.

Kingston to consider 'No Stopping Zones'

5 February 2010. Kingston City Council will vote on introducing 'No Stopping Zones' along Beach Road.

It is proposing a 12 month trial for the south bound side between Mundy Street, Mentone and the Mordialloc roundabout. Unfortunately the proposal includes only the north bound side between Rennison St and the Roundabout. This appears to be due to opposition from a small but vocal group of stakeholders. You can write to show your support but you need to do it before Monday night.

Detailed report available here

The map below shows: Green = proposed southbound No stopping zone, Blue = proposed northbound No stopping zone, Red = proposed northbound parking to remain

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View Kingston Beach Rd in a larger map

Another link in the chain to be put in place

01 February 2010. The City of Port Phillip has put out a tender to build the southbound bike lane between Marine Parade and Dickens Street.

This will involve indenting the parking bays and reallocating road space to introduce a bikelane whilst retaining the two adjacent travel lanes. This treatment has also been introduced by Council between Dickens Street and Shelley Street, Jacka Boulevard (northbound) along with a dedicated bike lane southbound along Jacka Boulevard between Acland Street (north end) and the approach to the triangle development site.

Council had asked the now failed development project to provide on street bikelanes as part of their works. Funding for this will now need to be sourced elsewhere.

The most glaring, and high conflict, gap in the bikelane remains along the southbound side in West St Kilda between Langridge and Acland Streets. With ample road space and no impact on other road users Bicycle Network Victoria believes Council should prioritise this section in future budget programs.

Beach Road popularity soars

23 September 2009. Riders continue to flock Beach Road on weekend mornings, according to the latest annual count.

A total of 9111 riders were out on Route 33 on the count days between 6 and 10 am——5056 on Saturday and 4055 on Sunday. This is three and a half times as many bikes as cars during the same period.

The figure show that the Route 33 ride, a popular training route since the 1950's, continues to build popularity.

The case for no stopping zones along the road during the weekend mornings gets more compelling each year. VicRoads is currently undertaking studies into the the possible impact and effects of no stopping zones along Beach Road.

No stopping zones are considered the best option to overcome the public safety issue of collisions resulting from parked cars obstructing the roads when large numbers of riders are present.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas is expected to consider the results of the studies soon. The latest survey leaves little room for equivocation, such is the growth of the bike traffic.

Bicycle Network Victoria commissions an independent count on the same weekend each September so as to accurately gauge growth.

The aim is to turn Beach Rd into the world's premier cycle training route with weekend no stopping zones and other design measures.

The survey shows that vehicle traffic on the route in the count period has slightly declined as bike traffic has increased.

Bayside Council votes to revisit No Stopping Zones

22 April 2009. Last night Bayside Council voted unanimously to revisit Route 33 and consider new safety initiatives being explored by VicRoads.

Recently we reported to you that Minister Pallas had approached Kingston and Bayside Councils to accelerate the issue. With the VicRoads consultation now underway with a May completion date in sight, Bayside Council has resolved to await the findings of the report and reconsider the matter.

Bicycle Network Victoria and other Bayside residents spoke at the meeting in support of the initiative.

As this process develops you may be called upon to show your support once again to help convince Council the No-Stopping Zones will reduce risk, ease congestion and confirm Beach Rd as Australia's premier cycling route. Click on 'Email me updates' (above right) to be kept in the loop.

Minister Pallas and VicRoads launch their No Stopping initiative

27 March 09. The Government has stepped in to encourage Councils along Beach Road to institute a free-lane for weekend riders on Route 33.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas has written to Bicycle Network Victoria outlining the move, which would see No Stopping zones implemented on weekend mornings. Read the letter.

The Minister has already met with the Mayors and CEOs of Bayside and Kingston Councils to discuss the proposal.

Minister Pallas has committed to a number of surveys. A parking occupation survey will reveal how many vehicles are parked and therefore how many people would be affected by the change. An independent survey will sample local opinion about the initiative.

Given the number of riders using this route at weekends, the number of parkers affected will be significantly less than the number of riders who will benefit.

This initiative has Bicycle Network Victoria's strong support. When cars are parked in the kerbside lane during the peak riding times they cause two problems: the almost continuous stream of riders is forced to flow around the parked car and into the centre travel lane, frustrating drivers; and less frequently, but more significantly, riders collide with the parked cars causing injury.

No stoppping zones would reduce the incidence of both of these problems making Beach Road a better place to ride.

Mr Pallas' letter says that following a review of this information gathered by the surveys, he will request that the councils give consideration to the implementation of the 'No Stopping' zones.'

Bicycle Network Victoria applauds the Minister's initiatives as his involvement should give the Councils the confidence to take the necessary steps to improve Beach Road for weekend riding.

(No Stopping zones are used to control parking outside Clearway times. They are stronger than No Parking. You can pause for two minutes in a No Parking zone but you cannot stop in a No Stopping zone even if you are only stopping to let someone out of the car, and regardless of whether you leave the engine running and stay in the car.).

Route 33 Black Spot gets review

March 2009. VicRoads recently invited Bicycle Network Victoria to consult on the review of the Black Rock Clock Tower roundabout.

This location has recorded a high number of collisions involving vehicles.

The Roundabout is a landmark and meeting place for many Beach Road riders.

Improving the design of the intersection is particularly important as the route grows in significance as a major weekend training ride.

We believe nothing short of full signalisation of the intersection will be effective in avoiding further conflict at this issue.

Hell Riders face suspension from competition

25 February 2009. Cycle Sport Victoria has threatened to discipline licensed competition riders who train with the rule breaking Hell Ride pack on Beach Road's Route 33.

"Bad and illegal riding impacts negatively on cycling’s relationship with government, police and the general public," Cycle Sport Victoria (CSV) said this week.

"Obtaining race permits from the police is also greatly affected by the general community’s attitude to cyclists," CSV said.

"Behaviour by some riders in the Hell Ride will destroy Beach Road cycling. It is time to act now so that the image of cycling is not trashed again.

Cycle Sport Victoria controls cycle racing in Victoria.

It has urged licensed riders to not participate in the Hell Ride, instead riding with mates or clubs.

Bicycle Network Victoria's long running quest for weekend morning Clearways on Beach Road (see below) is winning strong support at the local government and state government level.

This intiative will greatly improve riding conditions for training rides on Route 33; it would be tragic if this move was jeopardized by the road rule breaking antics of Hell Riders.

Beach Road riders should also be aware of the negative consequences for their insurance should they be involved in any unfortunate and indefensible incidents.

Beach Road bikes continue Clearway quest

25 September 2008. The quest for weekend morning clearways on Beach Rd has re-ignited after a new survey revealed that cyclists are outnumbering cars three to one on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Beach Rd (Route 33) between Port Melbourne and Mordialloc is Australia’s most popular weekend cycling route, attracting keen road riders from all over Melbourne and beyond. Many of Australia’s top competitive riders train on Beach Road.

According to Bicycle Network Victoria the safety of riders and the public is being compromised by the failure to grasp the opportunity for the installation of morning clearways.

“It is such an obvious and effective solution, and yet it has been dragging on for three years with no resolution,” Jason den Hollander, Bicycle Network Victoria’s Facilities Development Manager, said today.

“We know that just one per cent of parking spaces are being utilised at 6am and only two per cent by 10am, so any inconvenience to motorists is infinitesimal if we had a clearway during those times.

“Yet the benefits of having the parking lane opened up to riders is overwhelming, increasing the space available and greatly increasing margins for safety,” he said.

Bicycle Network Victoria commissions traffic counts on Beach Rd on the same weekend every September. This year there were a total of 7,478 bikes between 6am and 10am compared to 2,563 cars in the same period. The number of bikes rises perceptibly in fine weather.

Route 33 has been a favourite training run for riders since the 1950s. During the nineties the numbers more than doubled until there were more than a thousand riders on weekend mornings. Since then the numbers have gone up above five thousand.

“We have an alternate vision for Beach Rd as a recreational parkway open to cyclists and local traffic on weekend mornings. We’d like to see infrastructure improvements for the road such as wider kerbside lanes, bike logos and improvements at pinch points,” Mr den Hollander said.

“Our aim to turn Beach Rd into the world's premier cycle training route—morning weekend clearways are the key,” he added.

“When Bayside Council consulted local residents on the proposal in 2006, there was a 58 per cent positive response rate, so there are no political impediments.” “It is time for the council to show some common sense and leadership,” Mr den Hollander said.

Mordialloc Creek Bridge Project - Stage 2

Jun 08 Stage Two – Demolition and reconstruction of the western section

As advised by the VicRoads Project office.

"The contractor will be commencing piling work for stage two next week, including further demolition of the existing bridge.  There will be an  increased level of noise and minor traffic delays.  There will be some  short periods of bridge closure to allow the work to continue safely. These should be limited to five minutes at any one time, subject to work  requirements.

These disruptions to the bridge traffic will be kept to non-peak periods  and the traffic flows will be adjusted to provide the maximum traffic  capacity depending on the nature of the work.  During peak times the  existing arrangements will remain in place.

This work will also cause similar disruptions to boat access and  pedestrian traffic.
VicRoads and the Contractor remind road users that further changes to  traffic conditions are expected. To ensure the safety of workers and road  users, VicRoads would like to remind motorists of the need to drive  carefully, follow instructions and to be prepared for changes in traffic  conditions.
Thank you for your continued patience throughout these improvement works.

If you have any queries regarding the above matter, please do not hesitate  to contact Bianca Lovrecic on 9881 8753."

Road Closures on Beach Road

Jan 08 There will be a road closure in place for part of Beach Rd on Sunday 20th January due to Race 3 of the Orbea Tri Series.

Beach Rd will be closed to traffic between Dendy St and Redbluff St from 6:30am to 11:00am on the morning of the Triathlon.

No motor vehicles or recreational cyclists will be allowed on the course during these times except for the official race vehicles, lead bikes and emergency vehicles.

Mordialloc Creek Bridge Project: Wider lanes agreed

Dec 07 Thank you to all the riders that wrote to VicRoads to request bike lanes on the Mordialloc Creek Bridge. The Minister of Roads and Ports has responded to feedback and the new bridge will now be 3.9m wider. This will allow for wider pathways on both sides and 4.5m wide kerbside lanes. We have asked for the wide kerbside lanes to be marked. The Minister's press release is here.

For more information on the project please see the VicRoads website.

Jul 07 The Mordialloc Creek Bridge, Nepean Highway (Melway 92 F1) project involves the reconstruction and widening to two lanes in each direction over Mordialloc Creek. See the artist's impression below.

We're happy that VicRoads plan to provide an off road path, on the inland side of the bridge, next to the southbound travel lanes. This will be appreciated by many, including the students at Mordialloc College and Bay Trail users.

However as you can see in the picture above there are no bike lanes despite this being an extremely busy onroad bike route.

We're advocating for a defined space on the road for riders in both directions.

The City of Kingston requested that bike lanes be provided on the bridge. Unfortunately it appears that VicRoads have chosen not to provide an exclusive facility for on road riders. We are currently seeking clarification from VicRoads why there are no bike lanes on the bridge.

Bayside Council does not deliver on clearways

Oct 07  Despite over 1000 survey responses and letters supporting clearways on Beach Rd, the City of Bayside passed the following resolutions on October 1:

• That weekend no stopping restrictions not be introduced along Route 33 at this time.
• That when the findings of the study, researching effective enforcement and countermeasure strategies that can be implemented with respect to groups of cyclists, recommended in the Coroners report in relation to the fatal crash involving a pedestrian and a participant in the “Hell Ride” in 2006 in Mentone are available it be reported to Council for further consideration.

Bayside Council has unfortunately failed to take this opportunity to improve Beach Road for all road users.

We will be meeting with Council over the coming weeks to discuss this disappointing decision and will keep all supporters of clearways informed. Make sure you click on email me updates (above) to get the latest news.

Sep 07 Bayside City Council will be presenting the Clearways proposal to Councillors for consideration on 1 October. After discussions with the Regional Cycling Reference Group and other stakeholders, Council staff will be recommending adoption to Councillors of the proposal to introduce weekend no stopping bans along the whole length of Beach Road (Bayside) from 6am to 10am on Saturdays and Sundays.

This is a great opportunity for the cycling community to get behind the Bayside City Council to enhance Route 33 which is already Australia's most popular road cycling destination.

When Council publicly consulted Bayside residents on the proposal in 2006, there was a 58% positive response rate. A great result but some Councillors are still a bit uneasy. 

We are working on a number of ways to show Councillors the widespread support for the clearways: 

• We will email Bayside residents we know. 
• Rather than fill Councillors' email boxes with messages from non-resident supporters, we are asking you to register your support for the Council's initiative by completing a short survey.  We will present the results to the meeting on Monday 1 October and publish them on this page.  Please tell your friends about this survey.  Obviously the more people who register their support, the better.

We will report on this page how the vote goes.  Register on 'Email me updates' and you will automatically be notified when we update the page. 

Bayside Council closer to making Beach Rd clearways a reality

Jun 07 After an extensive consultation period showed that the majority of residents who responded support the proposal for parking clearways along Beach Road on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Council presented the results to the Regional Cycling Reference Group to seek the Group's feedback. Bicycle Network Victoria and the other members wholeheartedly voted to support making the clearways happen. As a result we believe that the matter will be presented to council for final consideration.

This is a positive step forward in what has been a long process. Now Bayside Council needs to make its final decision to approve the clearways.

We may be asking for your support in the near future so click on 'Email me updates' (above right) to find out future developments.

There is also a funding component which currently is unresolved. The clearways would require a change in signage along the route which needs an estimated $64,000 in funding.

The Regional Cycling Reference Group

Bicycle Network Victoria is a member of the Regional Cycling Reference Group formed to investigate potential improvements to cycling along Route 33. The group passed the following resolution:

Aim: To improve the operation and safety of cycling along Route 33 (Bay St Port Melbourne to Mordialloc roundabout) and make it a premier cycling boulevard by minimising the conflict between bicycles & motor vehicles.

Resolutions Passed

Jun 06 Bayside Council has passed the following resolutions:

1. Recommendations of the report "Route 33 (Elwood to Mordialloc) – Proposed Weekend Mornings No Stopping Bans" be noted.

2. Council support consultation with the community regarding the introduction of weekend no stopping bans along the whole length of Beach Road from 6am to 10am on Saturdays and Sundays, in accordance with the "Route 33 (Elwood to Mordialloc) Proposed Weekend Mornings No Stopping Bans" report.

3. Subject to all three affected Councils agreeing with the proposals of the report, it be formally communicated with the general public and that the affected residents be consulted.

See the attached document for the full Council briefing on this issue.

The resolution means that consultation is about to begin with residents that should lead to weekend 'riding time' parking bans on Beach Road. It is likely that the bans will be put in section by section and that the more difficult sections will be the last to be addressed.

Riders should start to see changes in the Bayside area in October this year. Port Philip has already begun to implement parking bans and install bike lanes. Kingston is about to put similar resolutions to Council.

Email the Mayor a thank you. 

2005 Counts

On most weekend mornings there are more cyclists than cars on Beach Rd. Our survey of cyclists numbers show over 7,000 cycle trips each weekend on Beach Rd. Many of Australia's Olympic cyclists train on Beach Rd and they attest that it is unique in the world. 

We want to see Beach Rd improved for the hundreds of training cyclists using it but VicRoads does not recognise the road as part of the Principal Bicycle Network as there is a shared path alongside that cyclists can use.

We think that both on-road and off-road facilities are required for Beach Rd because it caters for high numbers of both training and recreation cyclists.

Vision for Beach Rd

We have an alternate vision for Beach Road as a recreational parkway open to cyclists and local traffic on weekend mornings. We’d like to see infrastructure improvements for the road such as wider kerbside lanes, bike logos and improvements at pinch points.

Cities like Paris, New York, Washington DC and Seattle have roads like this that attract thousands of cyclists on weekends. There is no reason why Melbourne, Australia’s cycling city, should not have one too.

Rock Creek Parkway in Washington DC is a good model. During the week it is a busy commuter road but on weekends a large section of it are closed off to motor vehicles and it becomes a recreational pathway for cyclists and others.

New York's Central Park closes it's 9.6km 6-lane road to motorised traffic during the day creating a recreational cycleway.

Paris closes expressways along the Seine River every month, creating a cycling boulevard.

Beach Rd is already regularly closed to motor vehicles on weekend mornings to accommodate fun runs and triathlons, although it's important that bicycle access through road closures is maintained for cyclists not participating in the organised events. Otherwise a detour route must be signed. This should be stipulated when permits are issued to the event organisers.

Bayside Bicycle Strategy

Dec 03 The City of Bayside has released their draft bicycle strategy which has implications for Beach Rd cycling. We support the draft strategy as it targets all riding, not just training riding on Beach Rd. We believe better access can be provide the Bay Trail shared path while still catering for training riders on Beach Rd.

Hell Ride

Mar 04 There was much press in 2002 and in Feb 04 about cycling on Beach Rd, and specifically the 'Hell Ride'. Bicycle Network Victoria supports the efforts to encourage safer cycling amongst cyclists, especially on the ever-popular Beach Rd.

We will never condone cyclists breaking the road rules. This includes packs of riders running red lights or riding more than two abreast. Cyclists who want motorists to share the road have got to do the same themselves. It really annoys us to see cyclists breaking the law as they are endangering themselves and others but also giving cyclists a bad name, even though the majority ofcyclists are law abiding.

Our review of cycling deaths shows that cyclists who break the law are much more likely to be killed or seriously injured. Cyclists who break the law are doing themselves and other cyclists no favours with their behaviour.

Talking about the Hell Ride and other regular weekly faster training rides on Beach Rd. Racing on the road is not on, not matter who you are. Cyclists don’t like to see motor vehicles speeding on the road and the same applies to them.

It's time some cyclists changed their behaviour and riders training for races and their clubs showed some leadership so that Beach Rd is safe for all users, including cyclists.

Bike lanes

Port Phillip council has announced it is designing plans to create a 'Speedway' (defined cycles lanes on roadways) southbound between Pickles St and Fraser St. These plans are part of a trial that will hopefully see 'Speedways' in both directions along the entire stretch of Beach Rd from Elwood to Port Melbourne.

Bicycle Network Victoria would like to see 1.8m lanes with extra space soaked up with a chevron zone. This will make the road safer as cars have been using the parking lane as an extra vehicle lane, even though it's not wide enough. The bike lane will prevent cars speeding alongside the parked cars.