Bicycle Network: Better Transport

Labor outlines $31.5M bike package

18 November 2010. Victorian Labor has unveiled a $31.5 million list of bike infrastructure projects across metropolitan Melbourne and the regions.

The announcement, described by Premier John Brumby as "part of the largest investment in cycling in the State’s history," was at the launch of the ALP's bike policies for the 2010 election.

A number of the projects on the list have been flagged previously, but now they have funding commitments attached.

(The Premier has summarised the cycling polices on YouTube)

A significant step was the commitment to fund the $3 million upgrade and widening the Gardiners Creek bicycle path with a connection under the Monash Freeway at Glenferrie Road. This will eliminate an awkward and risky underpass and crossing on one of Melbourne's business trails.

Also important is $1 million allocated for improved safety at inner city intersections, with “head start” bicycle priority green lights on key routes such as Brunswick Street, Cecil Street, Sydney Road and Royal Parade.

The list contains a surprise commitment of $3.3 million for and inner city bicycle hub, with secure storage for 150 bikes , secure lockers, modern showers and an on-site bike repair service.

Other projects in the package included:
• $2 million for new on-road bicycle lanes along Heidelberg Road from the Chandler Highway in Alphington to Queens Parade in Clifton Hill;
• $5 million to upgrade the key eastern bicycle route between Box Hill and Melbourne;
• $4.4 million for a new off-road bicycle path along the Forest Hill Pipe Track between Monash University and Croydon;
• $1.2 million for a new Prahran Commuter Bicycle Corridor to be built between Alexandra Avenue and Windsor Railway Station;
• $1.2 million for on-road bicycle lanes to connect Queensbury Street to the Maribyrnong River via Arden Street and Childers Road in Kensington;
• $1.1 million for new on-road bicycle lanes along Latrobe and William Streets in Melbourne;
• $2 million for signalised left-turn slip lanes along Footscray Road from Docklands to the Maribyrnong River, including the Appleton Dock Road overpass; and
• $2 million for further work on the Darebin Rail Trail link, including a new bridge over the Yarra River.

Mr Brumby said cycling in Melbourne had grown by more than 75 per cent in the past decade and Labor was determined to deliver new and upgraded paths and facilities across the State.

“We know people want greater access to sustainable forms of travel, which is why Labor is investing in cycling infrastructure. We understand how important cycling is as a greener and healthier transport option that helps to reduce congestion,” Mr Brumby said.

“If we get more Victorians on bicycles, with more choice, better paths and better facilities making it an even more desirable transport option, we’re reducing people’s dependence on cars and helping to tackle congestion.”

Mr Brumby said regional Victoria was also benefiting from better cycling infrastructure, with a Labor Government to invest $5 million over the next four years under the $631 million Ready for Tomorrow – A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.

“Projects being planned include extensions to the Great Southern Rail trail, the Orbost to Marlo link, the Gippsland Plains rail trail and the Eildon to Alexandra rail trail,” he said.

“That is in addition to recently announced projects in the Alpine Shire, for the Indigo Rail Trail, for trails to link local tourist and scenic attractions at Quambatook, Cohuna, Kerang and Murrabit, for the Mount Arapiles bike trail, and new paths and connections including on Torquay Road.”

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the Brumby Labor Government had already delivered metropolitan Melbourne new cycling lanes including the Fitzroy Street off-road cycle path in St Kilda, the Hyde Street off-road bike path and the Merri Creek Pipe Bridge in North Fitzroy.

“We are making the largest cycling investment in the state's history as part of our commitment to increasing cycling levels across Victoria and building a better, safer, bike network – with more than 1000 kilometres of on-road and off-road paths built under Labor,” Mr Pallas said.

“Work will be completed next year on the $9.2 million extension of the Federation Trail stretching from Millers Road, Altona to Williamstown Road, Yarraville, providing a continuous link from Werribee into the CBD.

“In addition we are building new walking and cycling infrastructure as part of major transport projects across the state, with shared paths being built as part of the extension of the rail line to South Morang and as part of the toll-free Peninsula Link project.”

Mr Pallas said Labor was also fulfilling its commitment to dedicate at least $18 million annually towards cycling infrastructure over the next several years.

Get a copy of the policy document here.