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Bike Advocacy Box Hill electorate Hawthorn electorate Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail Letter to MP Strategic Cycling Corridor

Letter: Funding for cycling infrastructure in Box Hill and Hawthorn electorates

This letter was sent to Mr Paul Hamer, MP for Box Hill and Mr John Pesutto, MP for Hawthorn.

Dear [MP],

The Boroondara Bicycle Users Group is not aware of any state funding allocated for cycling infrastructure in either the Box Hill or Hawthorn electorates other than that associated with major projects such as the North East Link and the Surrey Hills Level Crossing Removal.

Boroondara BUG requests that the Victorian government provide $5 million funding for cycling infrastructure in both the Hawthorn and Box Hill electorates for:

Some examples of specific significant opportunities for improved cycling infrastructure within these electorates that require state funding follow.

Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail Strategic Cycling Corridor

A shared use path (cycling and walking) that follows the railway line corridor from Hawthorn to Box Hill that has been identified as a Strategic Cycling Corridor by the Department of Transport.  The feasibility study for this corridor was completed by a Victorian Department of Transport team in October 2021.  This trail connects several local activity centres and would be used by many students to get to over twenty schools and other educational institutions.

Toorak Road Bridge on the Anniversary Trail Strategic Cycling Corridor

A bridge over Toorak Road for the shared path would fill a missing link in the popular Anniversary Trail and improve safety and amenity for bike riders and walkers. A concept design for the bridge has been completed by Boroondara Council.

The Frog Hollow to Ferndale Trail

This trail would provide an off road connection between the Anniversary Trail and Ferndale Reserve for bike riders and walkers.

Box Hill to Ringwood Trail and Koonung Trail link

A safe separated off-road connection link along Dorking Road would provide a network connection between these two important cycling corridors.

Box Hill to Ringwood Trail and Gardiners Creek Trail link

A safe separated off-road connection link along 300m of the west side of Middleborough Road would provide a network connection between these two important cycling corridors.

Sealing Gardiners Creek Trail near Deakin University

This section of the Gardiners Creek Trail is heavily used by bike riders accessing Deakin University and as a safe cycling connection between Burwood and Box Hill South. Currently the trail is subject to erosion, loose debris and is a serious puncture risk for riders.

Active travel to schools

Students who ride or walk to school contribute to their minimum physical activity level of 60 minutes per day. They are also more focused and ready to learn compared to those who are driven.

In summary, there is increasing demand for safe cycling infrastructure suitable for bike riders of all ages to enable active transport trips with zero carbon emissions and to reduce traffic congestion.  

We respectfully request that $5 million funding for cycling infrastructure be allocated to both the Hawthorn and Box Hill electorates in the upcoming Victorian state budget.

Could you please make representations on our behalf to Melissa Horne, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Jacinta Allen, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Premier Andrews?

Yours faithfully,

Peter Campbell, Secretary, Boroondara Bicycle Users Group

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