Bike push gears up

By Nathan Johnston
CITY of Greater Dandenong councillor Paul Donovan says more government funding is needed to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities in the south eastern suburbs.
Cr Donovan said the council needed to make the upgrades a top priority, along with a continued push for better funding for public transport.
“We need to more strongly lobby the government on public transport priorities and keep the debate in the public about the lack of public transport in the south east,” he said.
Cr Donovan said the state and local governments needed to work together to investigate a package of transport modes including walking, cycling, and public transport.
“For this to work there must be an integrated approach,” he said.
“People need to walk to catch a bus or a train, so walking and cycling paths must be made to link up with public transport routes.
“Governments need to create spaces for pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than the heavily cardependent road network that comprises the Dandenong landscape.”
He said cycling and walking were the most sustainable forms of transport for residents, but a lack of safe tracks deterred many from choosing the healthier options.
“People won’t walk if they feel unsafe, if the walking paths are uneven, not well lit, or not leading to the appropriate destinations,” he said.
“Governments at all levels need to invest in the appropriate physical infrastructure so as to make people who make the right choice enjoy the choice.”
Cr Donovan said European cities had infrastructure that encouraged and gave priority to cyclists and peestrians.
“In Europe, walking and cycling are seen as legitimate modes of transport,” he said.
“But in Australia or the United States, very little walking or riding is done for practical purposes. It’s more for recreational reasons.”
Cr Donovan said the council should support ‘walk to school’ programs and other programs that reduced the number of trips taken by car.
“Another initiative could be the use of a free home delivery service to encourage people who regularly commute to the Dandenong Market by car to leave their car at home. This is currently being implemented by the City of Darebin at the Preston market.”