New budget figures may pave way for Sydney Rd cyclists
As debate rages over the future of the busy Sydney Rd shopping strip and traders rail against a proposal to replace parking in the area with cycling lanes, new modelling reveals how much the plan would cost.
VIC News
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A contentious push to replace car parks along one of the busiest stretches of Sydney Rd would cost just $300,000, the state’s Parliamentary Budget Office has found.
The new modelling comes as debate rages over the future of the busy shopping strip, with the Department of Transport yet to decide how it will proceed with improvement plans.
The proposal, first put forward by Moreland City Council last year, would include a six-month trial in which car parks were replaced with new cycling lanes that included a physical barrier between cars and cyclists between Glenlyon Rd and Brunswick Rd.
But some traders have railed against the plan and other proposals to cut parking in the area because they warn it will be detrimental to business.
Brunswick state Greens MP Tim Read said Victoria should follow the path of other cities that were becoming more friendly to cyclists.
“Building protected bike lanes along Sydney Rd is an inexpensive and sustainable way for the government to support the increasing number of cyclists on our streets during COVID-19,” Dr Read said.
“Before the crisis began more people rode to work from Brunswick than from anywhere else in Australia.
“And now, with even more people riding, we need to ensure they’re protected.”
The Department of Transport has been deliberating on the future of the road for nearly a year after releasing four draft designs and calling for community feedback.
It’s understood just over half of those who responded to the department were in favour of removing all parking along the road in favour of footpaths and protected bike lanes.
“The results from the VicRoads survey have only confirmed what we learned at the last state election,” Dr Read said.
“That people in Brunswick want protected bike lanes, wider footpaths, more trees and accessible tram stops. Cities all over the world are using this as an opportunity to re-imagine how people move around, and we should be doing the same.”
Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said now was the perfect time to trial bike lanes in the area.
“Sydney Rd businesses no doubt need more business and we know that whenever protected bike facilities are built, more people come, they stay longer and spend more,” he said.
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