Cyclists look to Yarra Council to hold true to plans for two trails link

CYCLISTS are concerned Yarra Council is gearing down on plans to build a missing link along the Merri Creek bike trail.

Northcote cyclist Danny Rose is calling for Yarra Council to complete the missing link in the Merri Creek Trail. He is at the Capital City trail near Rushall station where the path could joint the Merri Creek Trail instead of being a dead end, which it is currently. Picture: Josie Hayden

CYCLISTS are concerned Yarra Council is gearing down on plans to build a vital missing link along the Merri Creek bike trail.

Northcote cyclist Danny Rose said a 40m link would make the north-south route easy for riders to negotiate on a straight line, whereas the existing path came to a dead end at Rushall Reserve, which sits at an important juncture along the Capital City and Merri Creek trails.

“It’s not uncommon to see bike riders stop near Koonda Lat bridge in Northcote to check Google maps, wondering why the obvious route towards Rushall station is missing,” Mr Rose said.

“The lack of this connector also forces many bike riders to navigate the narrow pedestrian underpass at Rushall station (Fitzroy North) creating a choke-point that endangers all path users.

“Much of this could be eased with a north-south connector through Rushall Reserve.”

Mr Rose said the council made completing the missing link as a priority in its 2014-15 budget but after a small number of dog walkers using the reserve complained, the council put the plans on hold to conduct further consultation.

RELATED: Residents call for Rushall bike path plans to be dropped

“Cyclists are really concerned this issue is being pushed off into the never never,” Mr Rose said.

“The question is, how can we come to an agreed position.”

Mr Rose said there were examples of dog-related recreation and bike use occurring harmoniously, side-by-side all over the city and there was no reason this could not happen in this case.

Yarra city development acting director Jane Waldock said the council decided to conduct further consultation after receiving submissions from residents who were concerned the path could cause issues between cyclists and those using the reserve as an off-lead dog walking area.

She said Rushall Reserve was popular for recreation and dog walking and it could also provide an important link for cyclists between the Capital City and Merri Creek bike trails.

Ms Waldock said the council was looking for a solution acceptable to all community members.

She said the council would consider a report summarising community feedback in June this year.

“Council will then consider the recommendations received during consultation and decide whether it will proceed with the project,” Ms Waldock said.

Yarra Council is accepting community feedback until April 28.

Email [e-mail] or contact Kevin Ayrey on 9205 5770.