There is still more than a week to go before nominations close, but the City of Melbourne is already gathering a colourful field for the Lord Mayoral election.
Who could miss the news that the Liberal Party is endorsing a candidate who promises to rip out the city's bike lanes and squeeze more cars into our congested streets? Good luck with that.
Other candidates have cancelled electric scooters, pledged to compel people to return to work in the CBD, promised to axe the Greenline rejuvenation of the Yarra north bank, offered free coffee on a Monday morning, and committed to refuse election donations from weapons companies.
Liberal-endorsed candidate Mariam Riza, a 34-year-old management consultant, with her talk about reversing Melbourne’s hugely successful street improvements and associated economic revival, shows exactly why Victoria’s bike riders should take an interest in the council election cycle in their area.
Politics is a cynical game and there will always be players trying to win attention by bowling up wacky, ill-considered plans.
We ride to be healthy, relaxed, productive, and kind to the environment. Our cities, towns and neighbourhoods are getting better and better as we slowly – too slowly – roll out bike lanes paths and safety enhancements.
The benefits to the economy, the environment, private and public health are proven over and over. The world is moving our way.
We have a duty to keep the momentum building and keep all levels of government committed to the benefits that active travel and physical activity bring to the economy.
The City of Melbourne is a special case of course, with its separate election for Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor, and for councillors.
But every election and every candidate is worth paying attention to, no matter where you live.
Here's what you can do
Bicycle Network is supporting a new Streets People Love statewide local government election campaign to contact and score candidates in the upcoming October council elections. Candidate surveys and social media material can be found on the website, which will be launched on 5 September.
Streets People Love spokesperson Jeremy Lawrence says volunteers are needed in electorates across the state and that voters can make an impact by asking candidates to commit to delivering streets people love.
"It's important that we cover all municipalities and work together to create safe and pleasant streets that enable people to live fulfilling lives while moving safely through their local communities,” he says.
To get involved go to the website, or email: contact@streetspeoplelove.org
To donate funds to support the Streets People Love campaign, please go to the Bicycle Network website here and let us know in which LGA you would like to see your funds distributed.
To offer your skills for fundraising and to work with us behind the scenes on our advocacy projects email us at publicaffairs@bicyclenetwork.com.au
Voting in 2024 Victorian Council elections is by post only.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will post ballot packs to all registered voters from 7 October.
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