In October 2021, the State government released a feasibility study on a cycling and walking path from Box Hill to Hawthorn. If constructed, the path would provide a critical missing link for safe active transport in Melbourne’s east.
The route of the path recommended by the feasibility study, is a safe cycling corridor that follows the railway line alongside 10 train stations on the Lilydale and Belgrave line from Hawthorn to Box Hill.
You can read more about the study in our article from last year, ‘Unboxing: Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail’.
A 10 km section of path from Ringwood to Box Hill was completed last year, contributing to what could become a 30km path from Croydon to the CBD.
The natural next step is for the state government to commit to funding the route recommended by their own feasibility study.
However, more than 12 months after the completion of the feasibility study, we’re yet to see any funding committed to the critical Box Hill to Hawthorn shared path.
This state election, we’re calling on all candidates for both Box Hill and Hawthorn to commit to funding the 10km rail adjacent safe cycling trail. Both these seats are currently held by Labor MPs on thin margins, with all the major parties waging significant campaigns to win the seats.
If it’s a close election night, Box Hill and Hawthorn could be won by only a few hundred votes.
That’s why we’re asking that those asking for your very powerful vote, commit to properly funding safe bike riding infrastructure in Box Hill and Hawthorn.
Here’s how you can help kickstart construction of the Box Hill to Hawthorn Trail
- Speak with your local candidates – We need your help displaying that the Box Hill to Hawthorn Trail is an issue worth talking about and committing funding to. You can easily send an e-mail to your candidates using our helpful guide. A personally worded email, sharing why the path would be important for you and your vote is a critical way of achieving policy commitments such as the Box Hill to Hawthorn Trail. Alternatively, you can try and approach your local candidates at a community event, or pre poll station, open from this week.
- Vote for bike-friendly candidates – Support those candidates that are ready to take action!
- Spread the word! – Get active on social media and share why the Box Hill to Hawthorn Trail is important to you and be sure to tag @BicycleNetwork and your local candidates!
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