UPDATE - 11 May 2023

After taking on board community feedback across two conversations during 2022, Council has resolved to work with government agencies to deliver improved cycling infrastructure in Braybrook - including a signalised crossing at the intersection with Ballarat Road, which will be a critical element to creating a safer environment for cyclists navigating through the suburb.

The conversation

November and December 2022 - Phase two

After residents expressed concerns around initial options presented for a new separated bike path along Melon Street in Braybrook, Council sought feedback on six new options during a second conversation in November, from which respondents were asked to select their three most preferred options.

  • 186 contributions were received
  • there was no clear favourite with five of the six options having between 48-66% support
  • residents who live on the street (who made up 33% of total respondents) preferred Option F (59%). This option would have put bicycle symbols in the parking lane but offered no extra protection or space for cyclists when compared to existing conditions
  • Non-residents of Melon Street (who made up 67% of total respondents) chose Option B and C equally. Both options provided protected bike lanes, with Option B maintaining two-way traffic with indented parking, and Option C removing trees to widen the road and retain parking on one side

July and August 2022 - Phase one

In July and August 2022, Council asked for feedback on two options to install a protected bi-directional (two-way) bike lane between South Road and Ballarat Road, linking into the existing shared user path on South Road and future bicycle path along Lacy Street.

One option retained two-way traffic and option two would have seen the street become one-way in parts. Both options would have resulted in a loss of car parking and a change in navigation for motorists through the area.

While generally supportive of traffic calming measures and increased safety for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, more than 60% of the 215 residents who provided feedback did not support either of the options presented.

  • 24.19% supported Option 1 (protected bike path and one-way traffic)
  • 13.02% supported Option 2 (protected bike path and two-way traffic)
  • 62.79% did not support either option.

Key concerns included:

  • The impact on parking
  • Changed navigation on or nearby Melon Street
  • Anticipated transfer of traffic onto surrounding side streets

The Melon Street bike lane was identified in the Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy 2020 - 2030 as an important cycling corridor that would encourage more residents to more regularly use bicycles as a safe means of transport, especially to access schools, shops, train stations, and community facilities, regardless of age, gender and ability.

The Strategy focuses on delivering transformational projects that include a physical separation between cyclists and cars, and safer speeds, as ways to increase the number of riders on our roads - an aspiration recognised by the community in the Maribyrnong 2040 Community Plan – “We are keen for Council to invest in the provision and maintenance of active transport infrastructure, including wider footpaths, safer cycling lanes and a commitment to ongoing maintenance….to help us get around the City and to and from public transport”.

Funding for the Melon Street Project has been secured from State Government though the Department of Transport’s Sunshine Transport Precinct Activation fund https://dtp.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/transport-precincts/sunshine-transport-precinct