Trials of new transport infrastructure making it safer and easier to get around

At the 10 August Council Meeting, Council made several decisions to provide more ways to get around in Merri-bek while acknowledging feedback from the community. 

Council has resolved to extend the separated bike lane trial on Kent Road, Pascoe Vale for another 12 months, following a trial that began in June 2021. 

The extended trial will see the current design modified to address community concerns raised during the trial while maintaining physical separation for bike riders, with changes including: 

• additional space near driveways to improve access for cars and waste collection, 
• improved design to allow street sweeping vehicles to access the bike lanes 
• gaps in the physical barriers to improve accessibility for pedestrians crossing the street or exiting parked cars. 

Council will also design and obtain approvals for a new raised pedestrian crossing near Joffre Road.

Mayor, Councillor Mark Riley said this decision was informed by feedback from extensive community engagement with residents, cyclists, drivers and the wider community.  

"I want to thank the Merri-bek community for their honest feedback as we trialled bike lanes along Kent Road, which connects a key gap in the cycling route between Coburg and Glenroy,” Cr Riley said. 

“Over a year-long trial, significant technical investigations, data analysis and community engagement found improved safety conditions for bike riders had no negative impacts to road safety, on-street car parking availability and road usage on Kent Road and surrounding local streets. 
 
“This additional 12-month trial will allow us to assess the impact of the design changes through observation and further engagement with the community, as we address concerns that have been raised.” 
 
“Our experience tells us that continued investment in cycling infrastructure will encourage residents to see riding a bike as a genuine transport option in the long term. During this trial, we saw an increase of 21% of people using these bike lanes compared to two control sites. 

Council also resolved to investigate opportunities for alternate routes for the middle section of the Coburg to Glenroy bike route.

Council will consider how to proceed with the Kent Road bike lanes following the completion of this extended trial in mid-to-late 2023.

Council also resolved to make permanent other transport projects following trials and engagement with the community. 

This included making permanent the shared zones on Victoria and Albert streets in Brunswick, which will continue to include a range of features to create an environment that benefits all road users. 

“These shared zones have really brightened up the area and have proven popular with local residents. Moving forward, we will make some minor changes to ensure the space continues to be welcoming while improving movement through the space. We have seen reduced speed from vehicles in these spaces that abut Fleming Park, and most respondents to our survey indicated they felt the shared zones increased safety in this busy area.” 

New bike lane infrastructure is also here to stay on Dawson and Albion streets in Brunswick, and Northumberland Road in Pascoe Vale, with some changes. 

For more information on cycling infrastructure in Merri-bek, visit https://conversations.moreland.vic.gov.au/transport-projects