Frustrated cyclists are pushing for more spending on safer infrastructure in the wake of the tragic death of Arzu Baglar.
Ms Baglar, 36, died after being hit by a truck while cycling in Yarraville on March 10.
Maribyrnong Bicycle User Group members staged a ‘local black spot ride’ on Sunday to collate a list of trouble spots and gaps in local bike infrastructure.
Greens MP Colleen Hartland is backing calls for a massive boost in funding for safe bike routes in the west.
“It’s an absolute tragedy that a young mother lost her life while riding her bike. But this is not a freak accident – we knew this would happen sooner or later,” she said.
Ms Hartland will use Parliament to press Roads Minister Luke Donnellan to increase funding. But Mr Donnellan said the state government is already improving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the west, through major projects including the Shepherd Bridge upgrade and Western Distributor.
He said a new separated path is being built across the Maribyrnong River, while the Western Distributor design separates cycling paths from roads and completes the Federation Trail.
Maribyrnong council has put aside $4.6 million for footpaths and cycle ways, including a $175,000 bicycle network upgrade and $350,000 to extend the Maribyrnong River Trail, this year.
