Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Northern Link project awaits funding

June 2011 Moreland Council has commisioned a feasibility study and now all that remains is for the Baillieu Government to meet its commitment to develop a viable cycling as transport network and fund the detailed design and construction of the link betweek Broadmeadows and Pascoe Vale Station along the rail corridor. (refer red line on map, right)

Bikes to be in the mix

6 September 2010 Hume City Council in conjunction with the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) have released a draft strategic directions report which will guide the future directions for Broadmeadows. If you want to see Broadmeadows become a more ridable environment then Council and DPCD need to hear from you know.

In 2009 a round of consultation was conducted and a summary of these comments is available here. We have summarised the bike relevant statements in the report below. Counci land DPCD have said they will:

• Support walking and cycling in and around Broadmeadows by providing well-connected, safe and attractive streets and spaces.
• Ensure new developments should maximise their access to public transport services and walking and cycling networks.

What will happen in the next five years?
The State Government and Hume City Council will:

• develop a ‘community link’ with a shared walking and cycling path between Johnstone Street and Dimboola Road, connecting Johnstone Street Reserve with the extension to Main Street and the town centre;
• improve walking and cycling connections along and across key roads through Broadmeadows including Johnstone Street, Camp Road, Pascoe Vale Road and Pearcedale Parade;
• provide for more integrated pedestrian and cycling networks to, from and within the town centre and to public transport stops;
• develop an east-west shared walking and cycling path that will connect the Broadmeadows town centre with the metropolitan cycle network, specifically the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Merlynston Creek Trail;
• investigate new crossings of the railway line and connections to the town centre; and
• prepare a transport strategy to guide future development.

Our assessment is that these are all worthy actions.

We do believe there are some other high priority considerations not included. These include:

1. a very strong need to get a link to the south, particularly through to the Ring Rd path and along the rail corridor to at Least Glenroy Station (indicated in red on map, right). More information on this is available here
    
2. Due to the topography of the surrounds there is a definite need for a link to be made directly to the north of the Broadmeadows CAD. Whilst the Moonee Ponds Creek and nearby paths does go north the extreme gradients that a resident will need to tackle make this an innefective transport route. The Rail and Pascoe Vale Rd Corridor is the logical solution (indicated in orange on map, right)
    
3. The need for a stronger bike parking response is also valid in the CADs