Bike paths around Melbourne have been developed over many decades. Many off-road trails follow current or former watercourses (such as the Darebin Creek Trail and the Koonung Creek Trail) and traverse long distances, so that responsibility for planning and maintenance is split between various State Government authorities and local councils.[1] With the increased recognition from all levels of government of the benefits of cycling, Melbourne today has a network of shared bicycle trails which have developed over time along its river and creek systems and alongside freeways and railways.[2][3][4]
The total length of the trails in Melbourne in 2014 was around 1,900 km. One can cycle from Werribee in the west to Research in the east (about 62 km) or from Craigieburn in the north to Seaford in the south (about 78 km), and only have to use the occasional stretch of road. Melbourne's bike paths are often accessed from its train system. Ongoing community campaigns, such as those of Bicycle Network,[5] have resulted in some expansion and improvement of the network.
Usage
In 2006 VicRoads installed bicycle counters on the trails at 17 locations throughout inner Melbourne.[6] These counters provide data on the usage of Melbourne's trails. For example, the Anniversary Outer Circle Trail at Cotham Rd Kew, has about 20 cyclists per hour throughout the day, whereas the Yarra River Trail, north side of Morell Bridge, has a distinct peak hour rate of about 250/hr but only 50/hr in non-peak periods.[7][8] This supports the observation that the former is used mainly for recreation and the latter for recreation and commuting.
In December 2008, the Victorian State Government released their Victorian Transport Plan which budgeted $100 million for cycling over 12 years. In 2009, the Victorian Cycling Strategy was also released. However the Victorian Auditor-General reviewed this Strategy in 2012 and found there had been almost no progress on the items in the Plan, which included more cycle lanes and junction treatments, and that it had been sidelined by the new Liberal government.[9] In 2012 there was an outcry from cyclists following the almost total deletion of cycling projects from the State budget, with protests organized by Bicycle Network Victoria.[10]
Development of the network is slowed by the number of agencies that may be involved when a new path is proposed. Such agencies could include VicRoads, VicTrack, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and the local Councils. The network is fragmented along Council boundaries. Some examples are:
