Newsroom

New bike strategy for Melbourne's inner west

A comprehensive network of bike routes is identified in the new draft bike strategy for the City of Maribyrnong for 2019-2029.

Footscray and surrounding suburbs are ripe for investment in bike facilities and rider numbers have increased rapidly in recent years.

However, there is much more to come with major new residential development underway, and a major new teaching hospital being planned.

Being close to the Melbourne CBD, and with new bike connections being delivered with the West Gate Tunnel project, the inner west is the ideal region for a switch to active transport.

The draft strategy is out for public consultation now.

There is also a summary document.

If you live in Maribyrnong, or ride through or to the city, your input is welcome. Take the survey here.

There is also a bike parking survey on the same page. 

The survey is open until 20 December. The feedback will be considered by the council next February.

The strategy says Maribyrnong’s transport system is heavily dependent on motor vehicle travel, car users in the City of Maribyrnong experience long queues, unpredictable journey times and convenient parking spaces can be difficult to find.

"We can alleviate the challenges of the current transport system under stress by increasing the adoption of cycling,” the strategy says.

"The strategy describes where and how we can make effective investments that will increase bicycle use for transport, acknowledging the need to integrate with other modes including walking, public transport and continued car use.

"The more bicycles are used for transport, the more relief people will experience from the rising level of road congestion, air pollution and poor health outcomes associated with driving.”

"This strategy imagines a future where Maribyrnong residents regularly use bicycles as a safe means of transport, especially to access schools, shops, train stations and community facilities."

The council says it is investing in ongoing transformation of the City of Maribyrnong’s roads and public places to achieve the following outcomes:

  • safe and improved conditions for bicycle riding, including routes and areas separated from vehicles.
  • safer vehicle speeds.
  • fewer vehicles on the roads.

Information sessions are planned for:

  • Seddon Makers Market – Saturday November 16
  • Maidstone Community Centre – Get Active Together – Saturday November 23 – 12:30-2:20pm
  • Yarraville Library – Story Time – December 5 - 11-12pm
  • Braybrook Hub – Picnic in the Park – December 6 - 6-8pm