Cyclists in a new Altona North residential development can look forward to commuting directly to Spotswood Station thanks to two dedicated bike paths.
Hobsons Bay City Council has approved a subdivision in part of Precinct 15, which is the land bordered by Blackshaws Road, the West Gate Freeway, Kyle Road and New Street.
Two east-west bike paths will be part of the overall development of Precinct 15 – the primary path connecting to Brunel Street, while a secondary path will connect to Aloha Street, via New Street.
Cycling access is a vital requirement in the Comprehensive Development Plan for Precinct 15, where pedestrians and cyclists are a high priority and the walking and cycling paths will link key destinations within the precinct.
Both the future paths in this part of the precinct will continue eastwards, connecting with the proposed GreenLine Project along a dedicated shared path, and taking cyclists to Spotswood Station and beyond to Douglas Parade.
Ultimately these connections will also offer access to the future Westgate Tunnel Veloway which will provide a safe express cycling connection to the City of Melbourne.
The GreenLine Project is an initiative developed as a result of community feedback into the Spotswood and South Kingsville Better Places project to deliver a major transport movement spine through the area.
The secondary path connecting to Aloha Street will be slightly longer than the original plan. This will divert around some privately owned and currently fully operational businesses on New Street. The connection to be available for residents within 12-18 months.
The Victorian Planning Authority’s original plan had a shared bike and pedestrian path in a direct alignment from the Precinct 15 estate to Aloha St. The VPA’s plan is not possible due to an existing business being on private land in that direct route. Hence, we have accepted Mirvac’s current slight rerouting of that bike/pedestrian path.
Cycling access is increasingly important to the Hobsons Bay community. This is demonstrated by a petition recently lodged by residents about bike paths in Precinct 15. Council looks forward to continuing to work with residents to achieve great cycling and share path access in Precinct 15 and across the municipality.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Peter Hemphill, said the bike paths were an important part of planning for the future.
“As Hobsons Bay continues to grow, we must be mindful of making it as easy as we can for our residents to get around the city, using sustainable and active transport,” Cr Hemphill said.
“These bike paths will ensure there will be an easy way for cyclists heading east from Precinct 15 towards Spotswood Station, making their commute easier and taking cars off the road, as well as for families heading west and on to the Federation Trail.”
Cr Jonathon Marsden said the paths would be an asset for residents beyond just Altona North.
“These new bike paths will be of real benefit to the residents that live in the area, as well as those travelling through our city,” Cr Marsden said.
“Being able to get to public transport as quickly and easily as possible is a pressing issue for residents; having these bike paths built as soon as possible will make this area an even more attractive place for people to settle.”
