Fairfield Pipe Bridge: battle continues over historic site

More than a year after a pensioner was allegedly rammed and abused by an impatient cyclist, no authority has taken responsibility for the conflict hot spot.

Pedestrians crossing the narrow Fairfield Pipe Bridge have been abused by cyclists even though signs prohibit crossing on a bike. Picture: James Ross

Conflict between pedestrians and cyclists has flared up at a notorious footbridge, as authorities continue to refuse to take responsibility for the site.

Cyclists are required to dismount to cross the narrow Pipe Bridge in Fairfield and must give way to pedestrians.

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Signs by the trail and on the bridge indicate this but pedestrians say they are faded, in poor condition and need an update.

Personal trainer Luke D’Astoli said he was walking across the bridge with a friend on January 6 when an “obnoxious” cyclist abused them.

Graffitied signs and faded stencils are in desperate need of an update, pedestrians say.

“He signalled his intent by coming to a screeching halt about 30cm behind us in an aggressive manner,” Mr D’Astoli said.

“He genuinely believed he was in the right so signage is obviously not clear enough.”

But as confusion about who has right of way on the narrow passage continues, no organisation knows who is responsible for the bridge.

The Leader first reported on the absent management in March 2017, when a pensioner was allegedly rammed and abused by a cyclist while crossing the bridge.

Yarra Council, Yarra Valley Water and Parks Victoria all deny the bridge is under their management.

The Leader understands Yarra Valley Water owns the pipeline but not the bridge, which is on land managed by Parks Victoria.

But spokesman David Clay said the bridge wasn’t under Parks Victoria’s management and it could not place signs.

@richardapearce

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