Moonee Valley City Council is developing plans for improvements to the interface between existing on- and off-road bike infrastructure in Fitzgerald Rd and Buckley St, Essendon.
The works involve:
The plan for consultation and review is below.
Please reach out to MooneeBUG and Moonee Valley City Coucil directly if you have feedback on this plan.
Ultimately, MooneeBUG is always supportive of investment in improvements to make our streets safer and more enjoyable for everyone, however we also have an obligation to provide valuable input as residents and people who ride bikes. To this end, some important questions I have are below, as well as proposed alternative.
This suggestion definitely has it’s comlpexities on the south end, regarding utility and traffic pole locations! It is worth considering creative solutions and alternative approaches.
Hi everyone,
Welcome to this month’s MooneeBUG Newsletter, Here’s a quick recap of March and some exciting announcements for the future.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the March meeting where we spoke about how to convert energy into action. Our April meeting will be outside the Valley đ«ąat Lickey Split in Footscray on Tuesday 16th April, next to the awesome community bike-hub. Please RSVP on facebook or reply to this email.
Wayfinding signs coming back! After some asking, the Sustainable Transport officer let us know that Debneys Park end of Moonee Ponds Creek Trail will be getting much-needed signs (apperntly being replaced). Iâll keep you updated on the timeline
Flemington Bridge bike access: Great to see David Macauly raise this issue with the council. Listen to his question and the council’s response here.
I encourage everyone to ask a question at the next meeting. You can submit your question online, and donât even need to attend.
MooneeBUG (Tim and Frank) was key in calling this dangerous pinch point to councilâs attention back in 2021, and in great news, it has progressed through planning and consultation, and works are scheduled in the next 2-3 weeks. The north-bound bicycle lane will be extended and physically separated around the bend.
Federal Blackspot funding and The Department of Transport and Planning are adding bike lane signage, green surfacing, and sharrows around the Travancore corner of Mount Alexander Road. Of great interest as well, they are installing bike detectors and LED Stud lighting to alert drivers to the presence of kids and adults on bikes.
It is easy to be critical of these treatments, as they donât offer real protection for vulnerable road users, however Mt Alexander Road is an arterial road with many competing stakeholders, including trams, businesses, resident parking. Incremental upgrades like this can pave the way for more significant change in the long term by increasing ridership and visibility of people on bikes. More info here
MooneeBUG is working with Moonee Valley Sustainability to promote active and sustainable transport. Weâll be having a group ride around Moonee Valley to finish off the day.
Featuring:
+ Towards Better Streets – panel and Q&A
+ Info on infrastructure for cycling and walking
+ Bike repairs advice
+ Explore e-bikes and cargo bikes
+ Join Moonee BUG for a group ride
10AM – 1PM, Saturday 20 April @ Dwell (78 St Leonards Rd, Ascot Vale) More info on Facebook
Ride to School Day came and went without much fanfare. I am not a parent of any school age children. I would love to hear from any parents. Did your schools promote anything for ride-to-school day?
Bicycle Network Super Tuesday Bike Count had volunteers from MooneeBUG out and counting. Hopefully that data contributes to understanding and planning for sustainable transport into the future.
Bike Network E-Bike Expo: April 7 at the Brunswick Velodrome, BIke Network will be hosting a whole bunch of vendors, guest speakers, food trucks etc. Try out the different models available. More info on Facebook.
Fanny Street Reserve: BMX Jumps appear to be built, but word is theyâre not officially âopenâ yet.
Keilor Rd, Niddrie: Streetscaping works between Ross and Treadwell streets commencing in a week, Iâm not sure (but hopeful) this includes green paint surface treatment for bikes. (incremental improvements)
Hi everyone, welcome to this month’s MooneeBUG Newsletter.
MooneeBUG Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended our February meeting at the (slightly noisy) Union Hotel. It was great to have representation from Merri-bek-Bug, and see how many people were keen on advocating for improved cycling in Moonee Valley. The location for our next meeting is Strangelove’s Wine Bar, 7PM on Thursday the 7th of March.
The next meeting will focus on putting together some plans for the year, and also talking about some advocacy priorities to ensure our messaging is clear.
Please RSVP to the next meeting by replying to this email or hit attending on Facebook.
Moonee Valley Council News
Moonee Valley Council have given us updates about works on the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, see the post on our website here. Frank has provided valuable feedback to the project manager on a range of topics from the perspective of an experienced cyclist to ensure the projects have the best outcome and this feedback has been well received – great work Frank!
Council also noted at their first meeting of the completion of the Walking and Cycling strategy, which we have summarised on our website.
We have also had questions asked at council meetings about bike lanes which received positive responses. I encourage anyone to ask questions at Council meetings to keep safer streets and active transport on the Council Agenda.
Watch the discussion on the Walking and Cycling Strategy or ask a question at the next meeting
Bicycle Network Super Tuesday Bike Count
The Bike Count is coming up on March 5, and collecting data about how many people cycle is crucial for advocating for improved services.
It would be awesome if BUG members sign up to this to provide commuter counts in their local area. It’s from 7AM-9AM so could sneak in late to work!
Even if you don’t volunteer, make sure to cycle on that morning and encourage your friends so you’re counted in the dataÂ
Critical Mass bike ride on this Friday (24th Feb)
Critical Mass is a group bike-ride that changes route every month, with a theme of advocacy for active transport, and raising awareness about cycling safety. The ride meets at the State Library on Friday and leaves at 5:30 PM at a very leisurely pace. This month is being organised by BikeWest, a cycling advocacy group centred around the inner-west of Melbourne.
RSVP on Facebook or just turn up  I’ll be there.
Active Transport @ Moonee Valley Festival
Moonee Valley Sustainabilityâs Active Transport group has a stall at the Moonee Valley Festival at Queenâs Park on 24th of Feb – go visit them to talk about cycling in the area and fill out their survey on active transport. For those that canât make it, go ahead and take the survey now.
Moonee Valley City Council has announced two upcoming projects on the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail:
Stage 1 â Installation of lighting fixtures, electrical boxes and conduits
Stage 2 â Connection of the new lighting arrangement to suitable supply
From the Citylink Overpass (north of Reynard & Woodland Streets) and continuing up to the rear of 18 Lyttle Avenue, Essendon (Map at the end of the article)
These works currently scheduled for the 2024/25 Financial Year.
While these projects address specific needs, a comprehensive long-term plan for the trail’s improvement and management remains desirable. This could include:
Community input and council collaboration are crucial to developing a clear vision for the trail’s future, ensuring it remains a valuable community asset for generations to come. Reach out to MooneeBUG if you want to get involved or learn more.
MooneeBUG 
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