ROAD UPGRADES KEEPING OUR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS SAFE

Riding to work along some of Melbourne’s busiest roads is now safer and quicker for cyclists thanks to upgrades across Melbourne’s road network.

Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous and Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines said it was pleasing to see Ride2work day marked by a community event with the Bicycle Network at the upgraded Main Yarra Trail.

The newly opened bike pathway was built as part of the Chandler Highway upgrade, connecting the missing piece in one of the city’s busiest bike trails.

Major Road Projects Victoria delivered the upgrade making safety a top priority for both cyclists and pedestrians. More than 23 kilometres of dedicated cycling and pedestrian pathways is being delivered around Melbourne as well as almost 80 kilometres of on-road bike lanes.

New road projects are being built for everyone, not just motorists, to encourage more active transport. According to the Bicycle Network, 57 per cent of cyclists say their biggest concern when riding to work is interacting with cars.

The new Chandler Highway bridge underpass connects the Main Yarra Trail, removing the need for cyclists to cross the busy highway. The upgrades have also improved access to the nearby Anniversary Trail for the thousand cyclists that use these trails every day.

Riding isn’t just good for your health, but it’s also saves time and helps the environment. On these paths the average ride to work is 10 kilometres and takes between 15-30 minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to commute during peak city times. 

The 128-year-old Chandler Heritage Bridge is also in the final stages of transformation into a walking and cycling path, connecting both sides of the Yarra River. The upgrades will make it safer and easier for cyclists and pedestrians to travel around the area. 

National Ride2Work Day is Australia’s largest celebration of commuter riding. It celebrates all the benefits of riding to work.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“The upgrades to the bike trails have connected the missing links in the paths and are a fantastic asset for the locals to enjoy.”

“The new sections of Main Yarra Trail have created a legacy from the Chandler Highway upgrades that the community can enjoy into the future”.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines

“As an avid cyclist myself, I know how important rider safety is. Thanks to these upgrades, cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy a safe commute along the trail and away from cars.”

“Thanks to these upgrades, locals now have a wonderful trail to enjoy riding and walking along into the future”.  

Quote attributable to General Manager of the Bicycle Network Anthea Hargreaves

“Riding a bike is the best way to get to work. It’s fast, free, healthy and saves you from the stress of busy freeways and traffics jams.”