Brimbank cyclists will soon have a safer run into the city thanks to new bike paths that will link existing routes.
The Western Ring Road and Tottenham shared-user paths will link Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer, to Anderson Street, Sunshine, and Sunshine railway station to Ashley Street in Footscray.
Once the links are in place, cyclists will be able to ride from Fitzgerald Road to the CBD on 15 kilometres of almost continuous bike path, except for 750 metres between the Buckley and Nicholson streets intersection at Footscray and the recently upgraded Shepherds Bridge.
The project is being funded by the Regional Rail Link Authority, with works expected to be completed by mid-December.
Greens MP Colleen Hartland, who campaigned for the bike path links, said they would improve traffic congestion heading into the city.
“This new bike path will mean people from Sunshine and surroundings will have the option to ride to the city where there was no option before,” Ms Hartland said.
Brimbank Bicycle Users Group president Ferdi Saliba said Brimbank cyclists currently put their lives in danger by riding into the city.
“There’s really no major safe off-road route from Sunshine into the city,” he said. “This …gives us safe access into Footscray and from Footscray there are other cycling networks we can join up to.”
Charlene Macaulay
