The rolling hills of Melbourne’s north-eastern bushland suburbs is where many Australian nature lovers make their home, but when it comes to getting around the district, the environment is pushing back.
The roads are narrow and winding and opportunities to add capacity are limited, unless you want to destroy the beauty you came here for.
Yet just about everyone is car-dependent and can’t escape the steering wheel’s sticky tentacles.
The result: strangulation,
Unless, (cue trumpets) the e-bike rides to the rescue.
And, according to Nillumbik Shire Council's Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) development work, e-bikes need to be taken seriously as the region looks for solution to its transport quandary.
The Shire has released an options paper on the issues it faces and is asking for community feedback: https://participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/ITS
You can take a survey and attend pop-up sessions with council staff. You can also add a maker on a map to highlight your issues of concern.
Four objectives have been identified to guide Council’s delivery of the Integrated Transport Strategy. These are:
• Enable emerging sustainable transport
• Plan and deliver active transport networks that are safe, accessible, connected, comfortable and inclusive
• Advocate and encourage public transport by enhancing its accessibility, safety, convenience, and attractiveness
• Encourage land use planning that supports safe and sustainable transport outcomes
The council has identified numerous missing links in the local bike network.
It says that to make active travel viable transportation options in Nillumbik, it is crucial to plan and develop a network of safe and continuous protected bicycle lanes and paths and prioritise the diverse needs of users.
"Older people are also utilsing e-bikes in increasing numbers as it makes our hilly terrain less taxing while still enjoying the benefits.
"It is vital to consider how transportation and street infrastructure can be thoughtfully designed and maintained to meet these unique needs and be universally accessible – meaning a person of any ability is able to access and physically interact with transport and its related infrastructure."
The council believes the gradual adoption of electric vehicles has the potential to significantly contribute to environmentally friendly transportation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"Despite the likelihood of private vehicles retaining their prominent role in Nillumbik's transportation system over the next five years, Council has a responsibility to raise awareness of all transport choices and suitable initiatives of raising awareness of all transport choices and suitable initiatives aimed at curbing transport-related emissions, the options paper says.
"Since approximately half of the trips taken in Greater Melbourne are less than 5km, with 30% being less than 3km, there is significant potential for e-bikes and other types of e-micro mobility to cater to a shorter-trip journeys within Nillumbik and the Greater Melbourne region.
"E-mobility (mobility scooters/e-scooters/e-bikes) enable people to cover this range comfortably and with a heavier load (i.e. for shopping, moving some goods and transporting children), particularly when considering Nillumbik’s terrain in addition to the potential initiatives listed above, Council may enhance this by creating more inviting, efficient and effective walking and cycling networks."
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