Inner-west cyclists are demanding that a greater focus on cycling safety be included in state and local government budgets to be released next month.
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay cyclists will take their message to the streets on Thursday morning to drum up pressure on the state government to honour its $100 million bike- funding election commitment.
Concerned cyclists will spread the message at the Westgate Bike Punt jetty in Spotswood and on the south-west side of Footscray’s Shepherd Bridge from 7-9am.
Western suburbs Greens MP Colleen Hartland, who is backing the action through her Bike West community campaign, said Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay residents had a surprising lack of safe bicycle routes given the area’s proximity to the city.
“The Andrews government was elected on a commitment to invest $100 million in new, dedicated bike and walking paths,” she said. “Almost 18 months later, not one dollar has been spent. Cyclists have no new paths and are no safer.”
Key missing links include Dynon Road to Hopkins Street, a Footscray to Highpoint link, Kororoit Creek Trail completion, and connection between the Federation and Bay trails.
Ms Hartland said the thousands of trucks on inner-west streets made safe cycling options even more important, and councils could also do more.
A spokesman for Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the state government remained committed to improved cycling infrastructure.
“We’re providing vital cycling infrastructure such as the Shepherds Bridge upgrade that will see a new dedicated bridge for cyclists and pedestrians over the Maribyrnong River in Footscray, completion of the Federation trail and extension of the Westgate Punt ferry service,” he said.
“We’re speaking with local communities about the $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrians Fund so we can deliver the right infrastructure.”
The spokesman said the government was working with Hobsons Bay council to develop a proposal to complete the Kororoit Creek Trail. The government and Transurban would talk to the community this month about plans for completing the Federation Trail and other opportunities to improve cycling facilities.
On Thursday, the cyclists will distribute postcards calling on the Premier to act promptly.
