planned-works

Fitzgerald and Pascoe Vale Roads: Proposed Shared User Path

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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:

  • A new shared user path, to better connect the existing on-road bike infrastructure.
  • Line-marking & signage to improve delineation for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Re-alignment of the existing footpath and crossovers at the exit from Fitzgerald Rd to Pascoe Vale Rd.
  • Asphalt footpath reinstatement and relocation of an existing bench seat.

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.

  • Will people riding bikes travelling south onto Pascoe Vale road bypass this, and make the much more direct, and faster left turn onto Pascoe Vale road?
  • If people on bikes travelling south do join the proposed Shared User Path, will they then wait at the lights to join south-flowing traffic on Pascoe Vale road, and is this transition safer? Or will they join southbound traffic from a pedestrian crossing?
  • How much conflict does this generate with people walking on the footpath?
  • How novel is this approach:
    • Are people in cars expecting people on bikes to be where they are?
    • Are people walking on the footpath expecting people riding bikes to join the footpath?
    • Are people on bikes given enough warning and signage to navigate this short chicane?

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.

Strategic Cycling Corridor for reference

Strava Heatmap for reference

Google Maps cycling infrastructure for reference

MooneeBUG Newsletter (March 2024)

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Hi everyone, 

Welcome to this month’s MooneeBUG Newsletter, Here’s a quick recap of March and some exciting announcements for the future.

🍻 MooneeBUG Meeting

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 🫢at Lickey Split in Footscray on Tuesday 16th April, next to the awesome community bike-hub. Please RSVP on facebook or reply to this email.

🏦 Moonee Valley Council News

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). I’ll 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 don’t even need to attend.

💪🚲 MooneeBUG Win: Grice Crescent Separated Bike Lane

MooneeBUG (Tim and Frank) was key in calling this dangerous pinch point to council’s 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.

🥳 Mount Alexander Road Bike Lane Upgrades

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 don’t 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

🍃 Walk. Ride. Moonee Valley

MooneeBUG is working with Moonee Valley Sustainability to promote active and sustainable transport. We’ll 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

📰 Other News:

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 they’re not officially ‘open’ yet.

Keilor Rd, Niddrie: Streetscaping works between Ross and Treadwell streets commencing in a week, I’m not sure (but hopeful) this includes green paint surface treatment for bikes. (incremental improvements)

Moonee Ponds Creek Trail: Planned Works

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Moonee Valley City Council has announced two upcoming projects on the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail:

Underpass Lighting – Woodland Street & Wheeler Street

Stage 1 – Installation of  lighting fixtures, electrical boxes and conduits

  • These works will commence from Monday 19th February
  • During Construction, traffic controllers will be present to assist with shuttle flow traffic arrangements for both Citybound and Strathmore bound traffic

Stage 2 – Connection of the new lighting arrangement to suitable supply

  • At present there are no confirmed dates for the commencement of these works
  • Council will communicate with relevant stakeholders again once these works have been confirmed
  • Stage 2 of the works are likely to take place without of Traffic Management
  • Note that the underpass lights will not be operational until stage 2 works have been complete

Cross Keys Section Path Upgrade

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)

  • Path widening to 3 meters (where possible) to meet shared path standards.
  • New barrier fence planned for sections near the creek embankment

These works currently scheduled for the 2024/25 Financial Year.

Long-Term Vision:

While these projects address specific needs, a comprehensive long-term plan for the trail’s improvement and management remains desirable. This could include:

  • Further path extensions: Addressing connectivity gaps and creating a more comprehensive network.
  • Improved signage: Enhancing wayfinding and providing informative trail guides.
  • Ongoing maintenance: Ensuring the trail remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users.

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.