By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
Sky rail could be the conduit for a long-awaited east-west bicycle link across Greater Dandenong, according to the council’s cycling draft-strategy.
The sky rail project may include a possible continuous bike trail under the elevated rail sections between Sandown Park and Yarraman stations.
Councillor Matthew Kirwan said the trail could form part of the council’s desired “strategic cycling corridor” on the rail corridor between Dandenong and Springvale.
“If we can link up to Springvale, we can get a link all the way to the Melbourne CBD. The gap is between Springvale and Dandenong.”
If the sky rail bike trail went ahead, the remaining gaps would be between Springvale and Sandown Park stations, and Yarraman station and Jones Road, Dandenong.
About 55 per cent of Greater Dandenong households have a working bicycle – compared to a metro average of 68 per cent.
Cycling would be more popular in Greater Dandenong if safe, accessible cycle routes were made, whether on or beside state and council roads, Cr Kirwan said.
The draft strategy report states that cyclists are deterred from riding in Greater Dandenong due to gaps in the bike path network, peak-hour traffic, congestion around schools and busy intersections.
Other strategic links in the council’s eight year strategy including a shared-user path on the north side of Dandenong Creek between Metro 3175 and Lonsdale Creek.
It also nominates extending the Dandenong Bypass trail to link to cities of Casey and Kingston.
Submissions close to the cycling draft strategy on 1 August.
