There are good prospects at long last for a decent bike route along The Boulevard above the Yarra Flats in East Ivanhoe.
Although the Main Yarra Trail meanders along the river down the valley, it is gravel and is often impassable in the wet and when the river is in flood.
For more than 30 years various proposals have been proposed for an alternative route along the escarpment on the western side of the Yarra for the benefit of residents in Ivanhoe, East Ivanhoe and Eaglemont, and for riders making longer trips along the Yarra.
Frustratingly, no solutions were ever agreed upon by the local community.
Now the City of Banyule has developed a plan which simply speed calms those neighbourhoods along the river by filtering out rat-running traffic.
This will make The Boulevard far less risky for bike and pedestrian traffic at the same time as reducing motor traffic and improving the environmental values of this important rural style parkland along the Yarra.
The project, between Banksia Street and Bourke Road North, will resurface 2.8km of The Boulevard, adding consistent widths and gravel pass points to provide more comfortable travel for pedestrians, bike riders and vehicles.
The plans also envisage making corners safer by implementing design measures such as speed cushions or slow points for safer speeds.
The proposals are currently open for consultation. https://shaping.banyule.vic.gov.au/BoulevardImprovements
If you are from these suburbs, or ride through them, make sure you have your say and point out the strength of this attractive plan before 22 April 2025.
There is an on-line survey and interactive map on which to make comments. The comprehensive plan and frequently asked questions can be downloaded.
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.