Boroondara Bicycle Users Group (BUG), in partnership with neighboring community groups and Bicycle Network, is seeking firm commitments from all candidates in the 2026 Victorian State Election to fund and deliver critical active transport infrastructure.
With Melbourne’s east continuing to grow, investing in high-quality, separated cycling corridors is essential to relieve traffic congestion, reduce transport emissions, and provide safe, healthy travel options for commuters and school children alike.
5% of the Transport Budget for Safer Cycling
We join with fellow Bicycle User Groups and Bicycle Network to call for a systemic shift in how active transport is treated in Victoria.
This will deliver safer, connected routes across Melbourne and regional Victoria. The target is to achieve 25% of trips by active transport by 2030.
The Ask: Commit 5% of the annual state transport budget to be dedicated to the planning, development, and construction of Strategic Cycling Corridors (SCCs) across Melbourne and regional centres.
You can find your local state MP and send then a letter here.
Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail (Box Hill to Docklands Link)
This route is a formally recognized Strategic Cycling Corridor, yet significant gaps prevent it from being a viable, safe commuter option. While 1km sections was delivered by the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Level Crossing Removal Project, the rest of the 10km link remains unbuilt.
The Ask: $10 million in dedicated funding for the immediate detailed design and construction of the remaining segments of the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail.
Kew to Hawthorn Greenway
The former rail easement from Barkers Road to Wellington Street represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a continuous linear park and active transport spine.
The Ask: A formal commitment from the Victorian Government to secure the easement and construct a high-quality shared path link for the Kew to Hawthorn Greenway, including an immediate signalised crossing over Barkers Road to ensure user safety.
North East Bicycle Corridor Connections
As the North East Link Project delivers the core North East Bicycle Corridor, major gaps remain where it terminates near the inner east. Without proper network integration, this massive investment will underdeliver.
The Ask: Ensure the NE Link delivers seamless, high-quality connections to the Merri Creek Trail and the wider Clifton Hill network and an upgrade to the Main Yarra Trail approaching and crossing Merri Creek.
- A. To the Merri Creek Trail and Roseneath Street including an upgrade to the existing Merri Creek crossing.
- B. To the Main Yarra Trail where it goes under the Eastern Freeway and across the Merri Creek
Critical Safety Intersections & Pinch Points
A trail network is only as safe as its most dangerous crossing. We require targeted funding to bridge gaps and build safe crossings on Boroondara’s premier trail networks:
Anniversary Trail
The Ask: Fund and construct a dedicated walking and cycling bridge over Toorak Road to eliminate a notoriously dangerous at-grade gap in the Anniversary Trail.
Ferndale to Frog Hollow Trail
The Ask: Fully fund and construct safe, signalised crossings for the Ferndale to Frog Hollow Trail at two critical arterial intersections:
- Toorak Road
- Camberwell Road