Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Bayside closing the missing link along the Elster Canal path, Elsternwick 

Jun 06 Bayside City Council are busy upgrading the Elster Canal Path in Elsternwick with Stage One (refer Yellow on image) being built now. The Elster Canal path runs between Gardenvale Railway Station on Nepean Highway and runs through the Elsternwick parkland (refer Green on image) and on via Elwood, joining up with the Bay Trail at Marine Parade.

Originally a narrow path with challenging sight lines and numerous conflict/pinch points, Council have been busy building a 3m coloured concrete path along this challenging easement. With the Elster canal along one side and a variety of properties along the other, some clever design work has been applied to find the answers. Negotiations with Melbourne Water and consultation with residents has ensured a positive outcome and a far more attractive option for students of nearby Elsternwick Primary School (refer Blue on image), 86% of whom rode or walked to school on Ride2School day.  

Aug 05 Bayside City Council have prepared a preliminary study and draft concept plan for the upgrade of the shared path between New Street in Elwood to Rose Street in Brighton following the Elster Creek & Elwood Canal and the Nepean Highway.

An upgrade to this path will provide important links between Elwood and Bentleigh.

Bicycle Network Victoria has commented on the draft plan with key recommendations targeting minimum desirable width, a possible opportunity for separation on-road on Murphy St, no unnecessary deflections at entrances to the paths (these are dangerous obstacles) and good links to schools and local destinations.

We have also recommended a good planting and maintenance regime to ensure the path’s full width is preserved.