VicRoads response to proposal

VICROADS


Please Quote: GN90551.1
                                              
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| Mr Peter Campbell                  |
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Dear Mr Campbell

SUGGESTION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A BICYCLE PATH - RINGWOOD RAILWAY CORRIDOR

I refer to your e-mail of 19 December 2005, addressed to the Minister for Transport concerning the above matter. Your e-mail has been referred to me for reply.

The key issues with the development of a bicycle path along this route are the feasibility of providing a bicycle path within the railway reserve and the continuity of the path at road crossings. It is also important that the proposal be supported by the City of Boroondara and the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). The City of Boroondara would be responsible for developing and delivering the project and the DoI is responsible for managing the use of the railway reserve.


I understand that the City of Boroondara has undertaken a preliminary assessment of the proposal and that there are significant sections of the route where it is not feasible to accommodate a bicycle path within the railway reserve. The assessment also indicates that there are some locations where it would be impractical to provide suitable crossings at intersecting roads. In addition, the DoI, at officer level, has advised that the needs of an operating railway are such that safety and clearance requirements would make the provision of a bicycle path along this route very difficult to achieve.

Based on the above advice, the provision of a continuous, high standard bicycle facility along this route appears to be impractical. It is suggested that you contact Mr Jim Hondrakisat the City of Boroondara (Tel: 9278 4546), to discuss first-hand its assessment of the route.

In the meantime, should you require further assistance with this matter, VicRoads’ Acting Manager Bicycle Programs, Mr Tony Barton (Tel: 9854 2176), would be pleased to assist.

Yours sincerely


SIGNED

DAVID ANDERSON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

  3  /  2    /2006

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Draft version 0.4 of the Eastern Rail Trail has just been published.

The Eastern Rail Trail will provide a bicycle path shared between cyclists and pedestrians (but not motor vehicles), that will provide excellent opportunities for cyclists to travel through the City of Boroondara to connect with the Main Yarra Trail and the bicycle route along Bridge Road.

Users of this trail could include:

• Cyclists commuting to and from the City of Melbourne during weekdays

• Recreational cycling on weekends and during evenings – including visits to the growing local café and shopping areas such as the Glenferrie Road, Camberwell Junction, Maling Road and Union Road strips. This has significant potential to boost local tourism by connecting with Melbourne’s existing heavily used bicycle paths along the Yarra River.

• Shorter daytime bicycle and pedestrian trips by residents to local shopping areas along the trail including Glenferrie, Auburn, Canterbury/Mailing Road, Surrey Hills, and Hawthorn. The path should accomodate both pedestrians and cyclists.

• Students attending local schools such as Camberwell High School, Strathcona, Fintona, Carey and several primary schools.

Full details on the proposal.