Tara Murray
The Bicycle Network says a concept plan for the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing has”wiped” a “crucial bike route” from the map.
The group said the plan has “sabotaged” the development of a long-planned bike network, connecting Sunshine with Caroline Springs and the Regional Rail Link.
“There are supposed to be arterial cycling routes along the rail corridors in the western region, inter-connecting with other cycling corridors serving the growing suburbs,” the group stated on its website.
“The Strategic Cycling Corridor network was planned by the Department of Transport and other key government agencies, in conjunction with local councils and Bicycle Network.
“That work started in 2014 and was wrapped up late last year.”
The group said some of the route from Sunshine, along Forrest Road to Fitzgerald Road, was already constructed .
The route is then meant to continue along the rail corridor adjacent to Tilburn Road to Deer Park Station at Mt Derrimut Road, where it links up with the corridor planned for Station Road before continuing west onto Robinsons Road, with one corridor following the Regional Rail Link and the other continuing on the Caroline Springs station and beyond.
The group said the lack of provision for the cycling corridor in the concept plan for Mt Derrimut Road “cannot be accepted.”
“Level Crossing projects are required to take account of planning for all modes, and that includes bike riders,” the group said.
The business cases prepared to justify level crossings removals and new stations include the benefits of those active transport elements.
“The project is still in the early stages and there is time for the designs to be corrected.”
Kororoit MP Marlena Kariouz said there had already been a lot of feedback provided on the concept plan.
People can give feedback on the concept plan until Friday via an online survey.
To provide feedback on the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing removal, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-mt-derrimut-road
