The federal government has a 500 million dollar budget bikes available through grants to local and state Governments! While we probably all wish it was more, now is a great time for advocacy in regards to cycling infrastructure - as always.
Feel free to check out the specifics at:
Our school - Princes Hill Primary - has been working with Yarra council to promote active travel to school. Tonight the council passed a proposal to connect our school with the linear park, by making Park Street a no through road (for cars, kids and bikes can go through!), and making Wilson Street one way, giving heaps more space for pedestrians and bikes.
There was some well organised opposition from a local retirement village, but the school community was supportive. It passed 5 for, 3 against.
Honestly, it's only a small street in a quiet part of town, and it's only a trial, but it still took a lot of work. We had the support of councillors who haven't always been supportive of more progressive infrastructure, but seemed genuinely keen to support the school and the kids.
The state government is looking for feedback about the MCG precinct. As well as the stadium itself, this has implications for East Melbourne and Richmond: improving connections to Richmond and Jolimont stations, active transport through the precinct, use of the stadium and Yarra Park outside of events, and potentially even big changes like new housing or a Richmond Station rebuild in the Sportslink proposal.
What would you like to see improved?
Bicycle Network are calling for the state to set aside 5% of the road and rail budget to build out the Strategic Cycling Corridors. Find out more and email your MP here: https://scc-campaign.vercel.app/