Bicycle Network: Metro Routes
East: Eaglemont Boulevard
The Boulevard is a quiet road between Manningham Rd and Burke Rd North which avoids the need to go through the Burke Rd North cutting
Project needs direction
June 2012 This important transport link desperately needs funding from the Baillieu State Government. Due to a state of confusion within Parks Victoria the local Ranger has been allowed to dictate policy to head office that the Main Yarra Trail should not be sealed, despite staff stating that they are tired of wasting maintenance funding on repeated repairs to a dishevelled gravel path and Parks Victoria demanding sealed paths on all other Metropolitan Trail Network projects over many years. Luckily there is a solution nearby. Residents have strongly opposed the Eaglemont Boulevard be returned to a road, wanting to keep it as a local access only space and not encourage rat running; An understandable position. However, Bicycle Network Victoria believes that the same opposition does not exist for a shared path along this space, in fact it could help the locals to retain the amenity they are so fiercely protecting.
Bicycle Network Victoria is calling upon the Baillieu State Government to design and fund this path immediately. This would be a great congestion busting initiative in an area with few alternatives for commuters.
Path Link needs your support
March 2008 Banyule City Council have proposed a path link between the Main Yarra Trail and Gruyure Crescent (refer green line on map below). Bicycle Network Victoria has recently been told that the Council is considering withdrawing the proposal. This link needs your support.
If you are a resident of Banyule City Council click here to write and show your support
This link could be the first step in getting a commuter grade separated path built along the Boulevard.
Bicycle Network Victoria believes that the existing Main Yarra Trail between Burke Rd North and the northside of Manningham Rd is substandard, due to poor surface and the dangerous Manningham Rd underpass, and the Boulevard offers a positive alternative to attract commuting riders.
However, local residents have long opposed the road being reinstated above its current rundown state. They fear it becoming a traffic 'rat run'. This could be avoided by building a path on the east side of the Boulevard. One solution may include reinstating the road surface and introducing a series of vegetated islands to prohibit through-traffic but allow pedestrian and bike movements. This has worked very effectively along such routes as Canning St, Carlton.