Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong council has proposed that no cycling infrastructure shoud be built on the popular Footscray cycling path until the state government improves nearby infrastructure.
In its meeting on Wednesday, May 26, in a division, councillors proposed to not proceed with any improvement on cycling infrastructure on Melon Street until the state government improves cycling infrastructure on Ashley Street and the inclusion of a signalised crossing.
Council officers had recommended a physically separated bi-direction bicycle lane on the east side of Melon Street , parking on the west side and single shared use two-way traffic lane in addition to other corrections
Cr Cuc Lam said bike riding is critical for the health and wellbeing of residents , but more so is their safety.
“The provision of the signalised crossing at Ballarat road is critical to ensure the safety crossing for cyclists, advocacy for the state government to deliver this important crossing is a priority,” she said.
Mayor Sarah Carter said the best plan for cyclists needs to be a combination of state owned roads and council roads.
“I have been told by residents that changing Ashley street is the best outcome because it will be used the most by cyclists,” she said.
Cr Simon Crawford, Cr Jorge Jorquera and Cr Bernadette Thomas all voted against the motion saying it is not a positive outcome to not proceed with any improvements at all.
“In the absence of any concrete commitment from the state government we could be waiting a long time, we need a timeline,” said Cr Thomas.
Cr Lam said there is no timeline however the council always needs to be advocating for what’s best for the community regardless of if it is a long term or short term plan.
