WRITE TO THE PREMIER: BUILD PROTECTED LANES ON SYDNEY RD
People in Brunswick want protected bike lanes, wider footpaths and accessible tram stops.
Moreland Council support building them and VicRoads say they're the safest for all road users. And now we know that trialling protected bike lanes would cost just $300,000
'The people in Brunswick have been calling to revitalise Sydney Road for over a decade and right now there are more people riding than ever. Add your name to our letter calling on Premier Andrews to act.'
Sydney Road is managed by Department of Transport (DOT) so any decision to revitalise Sydney Rd must come from the State Government.
At the end of June, I'll be sending this letter. We are stronger together, and need as many people to sign on as possible.
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The Hon Daniel Andrews CC: The Hon Jaala Pulford |
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Dear Premier,
I am writing on behalf of the people of Brunswick to request that you meet their overwhelming demand for what is a relatively small investment in active transport infrastructure. For at least 20 years the local community has patiently waited for a government to commit to the redevelopment of Sydney Road to improve amenity and allow better, safer traffic flow. Last year, a VicRoads survey proposing various design options was completed by more than 7,000 people. The option that included permanent protected bike lanes, wider footpaths, more trees, and accessible tram stops (Option 3) was overwhelmingly ranked the highest by respondents. This comes on the back of Vicroads own audit finding that this option was also the safest for all road users, and protected bike lanes on Sydney Road being strongly endorsed by Victoria’s peak motoring body, the RACV. You are already aware that this kind of investment in active transport infrastructure closely aligns with your government’s stated planning, transport and public health aims: Plan Melbourne; the Victorian Cycling Strategy and the Victorian Public Health and Welfare Plan. During the period of COVID-19 restrictions the number of people riding for transport in Melbourne has more than doubled. Major cities from Berlin to Bogotá are already investing in infrastructure to accommodate this shift to active transport, recognising the immediate benefits of economic projects that relieve traffic congestion, reduce emissions and improve public health. The Parliamentary Budget Office has costed the establishing protected bike lanes between Brunswick Road and Glenlyon Road, the section endorsed by the Moreland City Council, at $300,000 over the forward estimates. Rarely, if ever has a transport infrastructure initiative been so broadly supported, affordable, aligned with government strategy or immediately relevant to the prevailing social, environmental and economic conditions. Therefore, I believe that this proposal now too deserves your consideration and endorsement.
The Brunswick Community and supported by Dr Tim Read
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WRITE TO THE PREMIER: BUILD PROTECTED LANES ON SYDNEY RD
TAKE ACTION
Add your voice to the letter calling on Premier Andrews to build protected bike lanes on Sydney Road
The people of Brunswick want them, Moreland Council support them, and VicRoads considers them the safest design for all road users. Let's build protected bike lanes!