VicRoads is investigating long-term safety upgrades along a strip of the Calder Freeway that a local cycling group has identified as needing a new bike path.
The state government will establish a $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrian fund dedicated to statewide cycling and walking facilities, including potential for short- or long-term improvements to the freeway between Kings and Thompsons roads.
Bike Safe Macedon Ranges (BSMR) has lobbied for a safer path along the freeway linking St Albans with Diggers Rest.
This proposal includes a three-metre-wide, 2.7-kilometre bike path on the northern side of the freeway, connecting Thompsons Road to the existing Kings Road bike path.
The idea gathered momentum after a local cyclist was recently hit from behind by a car near the Calder Park Drive exit, suffering concussion and several broken bones.
The bike path proposal, estimated to cost $750,000, is supported by the Brimbank Bicycle User Group, Road Safe Central and Calder Action Group.
BSMR member Andrew Smeal, who rides along the freeway several times a week, has launched an online petition, so far signed by about 350 people, which calls on Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan to fund the path.
“I’m keen to get this built before there’s a fatality,” Mr Smeal said, adding that there was no safe route for Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents to get to and from Melbourne by bike. There was also a high collision risk for cyclists crossing the Calder at Organ Pipes Road, he said.
“The corridor used by commuter and recreational cyclists involves a portion of the Calder Freeway between Organ Pipes Road and Kings Road,” he said. “[The road is] riddled with debris – retreads, broken glass and building materials.
“VicRoads has seen fit to erect several signs on both sides of the freeway indicating cyclists should use the freeway shoulder. However, at the Calder Park Drive exit, the shoulder ceases to exist. The space is instead used for a high- speed slip-lane.
“For a very small investment, a path can be built on the north side of the freeway.”
Mr Donnellan said recent VicRoads community workshops identified a potential route along the Sunbury rail corridor.
