From the Premier of Victoria: $115 plan paves the way for Victoria's cycling future (Monday 23 March 2009)

Encouraging Victorians to ride their bikes and integrating new and existing cycling infrastructure into the transport network are key features of the $115 million Victorian Cycling Strategy, launched today by Premier John Brumby.

Mr Brumby released the strategy today with Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas at North Fitzroy where a new bike and pedestrian bridge will be built over the Merri Creek, linking two important cycling routes.

Mr Brumby released the strategy today with Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas at North Fitzroy where a new bike and pedestrian bridge will be built over the Merri Creek, linking two important cycling routes.

“The Victorian Government is taking action now to keep Melbourne moving, improving our transport network and providing more sustainable and accessible travel options for Victorians,” Mr Brumby said.

“This $115 million cycling strategy seeks to further establish cycling as a viable, sustainable, affordable and safe transport option, investing in projects to reduce congestion and better integrate bike infrastructure into our transport network.

“Since 1999 the Government has built 926 kilometres of paths and on-road facilities – that’s further than Melbourne to Sydney. This plan builds on that with infrastructure works to begin this year on projects across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.” Mr Brumby said cycling infrastructure projects across the state included:

• Federation Trail Extension off-road path from Altona to Yarraville;
• Merri Creek Pipe Bridge linking the Merri Creek and Capital City trails;
• Mount Alexander Road on-road bicycle lanes;
• Bridge over Maroondah Highway connecting the Lilydale Warburton Trail with the Lilydale Railway Station;
• On-road bicycle lanes in Mooroopna, Shepparton, Strathdale, Kilmore and Ballarat; and
• Off-road paths in Bright, Wodonga, Ballarat and Geelong.

Mr Pallas said the Victorian Cycling Strategy delivered on the Government’s commitment in the Victorian Transport Plan to invest $115 million in cycling infrastructure and initiatives.

“It sets out a blueprint to increase cycling levels across Victoria by building a better bike network, developing a cycling culture, separating cyclists and other road users where possible, better integrating cycling with public transport and in land use planning,” Mr Pallas said.

Priority actions in the strategy include:

• Significantly improving the network within 10km of the CBD;
• Establishing a public bike hire scheme for Melbourne;
•   Installing bike cages at 33 train stations by the end of 2009;
•  Completing cycling networks in Central Activities Districts and regional centres;
  
• Developing safe cycling programs in Victorian schools and launching a “look out for cyclists” campaign to educate road users about cyclist safety; and
  
• A review of cycling accident patterns to develop appropriate counter measures.
  

 Mr Pallas said developing cycling was not just about tackling congestion, but promoting greener, more sustainable and more affordable transport options. “This cycling strategy aims to deliver a greater willingness among Victorian’s to use a bike for every day travel – to get to work, the shops and to visit family and friends,” he said. “It’s not about replacing trains, buses, trams and cars, it’s about adding cycling to the list of viable transport options available to all Victorians.

“The benefits of cycling are numerous, including easing congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging our communities to use travel options that keep you fit and healthy.”

The Government’s ongoing cycling investment goes well beyond the $115 million commitment in the Victorian Transport Plan. This is on top of funding for new bike paths to be built along new road projects and upgrades, and a dedicated $4 million each year in the VicRoads budget.

The Victorian Cycling Strategy can be viewed at www.transport.vic.gov.au