Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Bicycle Network Victoria backs clearway initiative

29 July 2008. Bicycle Network Victoria has joined a new alliance of road users with an agenda to give higher priority to public transport and bike riders.

The new group's first initiative is to back the clearway standardization package included in the Keep Melbourne Moving policy statement.

Our careful analysis shows that the clearway improvements, together with other tram priority measures, will lead to a generally better road environment for bike commuters in the peak hours.

See below for yesterday's statement by the group.

Independent Melbourne Partners Against Congested Transport (IMPACT) is a new alliance aimed at reducing congestion on our roads.

The founding members of IMPACT are Yarra Trams, Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), RACV, Bus Association Victoria, Victorian Taxi Association, Bicycle Network Victoria and Victorian Transport Association.

More than 80 per cent of public transport services are road-based and IMPACT believes the package of initiatives in the Keeping Melbourne Moving plan will make a difference to thousands of commuters.

“Melbourne has the biggest tram network in the world, but it is one of the slowest," said Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Cliche.

“Thousands of tram users will benefit from the tram priority initiatives of the Keeping Melbourne Moving package which also includes standardised clearway operating hours along major tram routes,” said Mr Cliche. 

“It is paramount that we do everything possible to minimise congestion if we are to maintain Melbourne’s liveability,” said Mr Cliche.

"We are pleased to see recognition of the need for active measures to improve the running times of trams and buses where currently they get delayed by traffic,” said PTUA President Daniel Bowen.   “We look forward to working cooperatively within IMPACT to improve services for public transport passengers," said Mr Bowen.

"The plan will improve public transport services and relieve traffic congestion by improving traffic flows and giving greater priority to public transport.  It will focus on the most heavily congested routes,” said RACV General Manager Public Policy, Brian Negus.

"Initiatives such as the standardisation of clearway times would ensure that the entire road network runs smoothly, rather than having pockets of congestion," said Mr Negus.

The peak bus and coach industry body, Bus Association Victoria backs the campaign for on road bus priority.
 
“We expect significant time savings with the Keeping Melbourne Moving initiatives and this will mean we can provide more services with the same number of buses,” said Bus Association Victoria Director Industry Development, Russell Coffey.

“More people on quicker, more reliable buses will mean fewer cars on the road,” said Mr Coffey.

The transport and logistics industry says reducing congestion will mean big savings in costs to its customers throughout Melbourne.  “These savings are passed on to all consumers,” said Victorian Transport Association Chief Executive Officer, Philip Lovel.

“We will also save fuel and emissions.  It could be up to 30% which is a massive saving and that could mean $50m to $100m a year,” said Mr Lovel.

The taxi industry also supports the initiatives to relieve peak period congestion.

“The plan will improve the delivery of taxi services through greater productivity of taxi vehicles, and will assist the environment through reduced vehicle emissions,” said Victorian Taxi Association Executive Officer Policy, David Samuel.

Bicycle Network Victoria says Keeping Melbourne Moving will deliver much needed benefits to bike riders as well as public transport users.

"We know that many bike commuters are also regular public transport users, so better services by trams, buses and taxis will be welcome", said Bicycle Network Victoria CEO, Harry Barber.

"It is important that the road system is developed in a balanced way that recognises bike riders, public transport users and vital road-based services," Mr Barber said.

Visit keepingmelbournemoving.com.au for further information.

22 July 2008 public statement

Keeping Melbourne Moving a plus for bike riders

The State Government's Keeping Melbourne Moving transport initiative will deliver much needed benefits to bike riders as well as public transport users, according to Bicycle Network Victoria.

Keeping Melbourne Moving provides $28.2m for new bike facilities, along with the standardisation of clearways and the implementation of new tram and bus prioritisation measures.

The bicycle measures in Keeping Melbourne Moving include a shared use path, a separated bike lane and some signals.

"We know that many bike commuters are also regular public transport users, so better services by trams, buses and taxis will be welcome", Bicycle Network Victoria CEO, Harry Barber, said today.

"Each day bike riders see the problems that road congestion is creating for public transport—trams in particular. There are quickly realisable gains for tram travellers once the Keeping Melbourne Moving plans are implemented".

One of the Keeping Melbourne Moving initiatives is to extend and standardise existing clearway times. The new clearways will help public transport. The project can also improve the bicycle network by installing clearway bike lanes on routes such as Sydney Road and Barkers Road.

"It is important that the road system is developed in a balanced way that recognises bike riders, public transport users, and vital road-based logistics and services," Mr Barber said.

Government Statement

$12.6 million to extend and standardise clearway times on all arterial roads and key public transport routes to improve traffic flow during peak times.

Currently, times for clearways vary significantly, causing confusion for road users. Over 150 clearways around Melbourne will be standardised to operate from 6.30am to 10am and from 3pm to 7pm.

This initiative will be progressively rolled out, starting with morning peak clearways on arterial routes including High Street, Malvern; Nicholson Street, Brunswick; and Punt Road and Hoddle Street.

Clearways will be strictly enforced and parked cars that are blocking traffic will be towed away.