Riders in Melbourne’s outer east can look forward to a more connected bike network in future years as the City of Maroondah implements its new transport strategy.
The heavily car-dependent suburbs in Melbourne’s east have never been particularly welcoming to people on bikes, but the new Maroondah Transport Strategy 2025-2035 plans to reduce car use and increase active transport.
It replaces the previous Maroondah Integrated Transport Strategy, Maroondah Bicycle Strategy and the Maroondah Pedestrian Strategy.
Maroondah currently has 63 kilometres of bike lanes, paths and trails and 54% of households own one or more bikes.
The average distance of a bike ride is 6.8km and the average travel time is 27 minutes.
And currently there are five major trails through the municipality – Eastlink, Mullum Mullum Creek, Heathmont, Tarralla Creek and Dandenong Creek.
A key thrust of the strategy is to capitalise on large infrastructure projects to implement the footpath and bicycle network upgrades.
Active transport facilities associated with large infrastructure projects are seen as an important part of the solution to traffic congestion associated with population growth.
Future road projects are opportunities to improve not just vehicle and freight movements but also active transport networks, making it easier for people to choose active modes for local trips, the strategy says.
Several examples of key projects that Maroondah supports are listed:
- Ringwood to Croydon Pathway. The completion of a 5.8km shared user pathway between Ringwood and Croydon will create a significant active transport corridor for Melbourne's East. This pathway will serve as a high-quality route for commuting and recreation, enhancing usability for various trip purposes. Two important sub-projects associated with the Ringwood to Croydon Pathway include addressing the railway line crossing along the O'Shannassy Pipe Track in Croydon, which may require an underpass or overpass, and completing the connection to Mt Dandenong Road, with facilities on Wicklow Avenue and Star Cross Avenue.
- Greenwood Avenue Pathway. The completion of a new shared pathway along Greenwood Avenue will connect Ringwood Station to Maroondah Federation Estate and the Jubilee Park Sports Hub, including Aquanation.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Underpass. A pedestrian and bicycle pass through the rail bridge near Maroondah Highway and under the Ringwood Bypass are important connectivity and safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. These underpasses allow for the continuation of dedicated shared-use pathways on Warrandyte Road and create a better connected and integrated active transport network in Ringwood.
The strategy says that the council will review the Municipal Bicycle Network and Principal Pedestrian Network to determine the appropriate infrastructure to support seamless connection and access between activity centres, transport hubs, essential services and the suburbs for people on bikes and foot.
Deputy Mayor of Maroondah, Linda Hancock, said the strategy "adopts an accessible and connected network vision and prioritises modes of transport that are in demand, sustainable, safe, healthy and affordable, to deliver a transport network and services that are sustainable and work for everyone.
"The aim is to provide more and better transport options, particularly non-car modes, reducing car dependency, transport disadvantage, and vulnerability to disruptions,” she said.
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