An Update On Queens Ave Bike Lanes
BACKGROUND:
Streets Alive Glen Eira understands that the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), will soon be making a decision on a bicycle route connecting Glen Huntly and Caulfield stations. If you haven't already, check out our previous article that details the beginnings of this project.
We met with LXRP in late January 2024 to discuss the initial proposed design options. While no design was perfect, we supported a bi-directional on-road bike lane with a protective barrier, as it balanced the retention of 200+ trees, with the need for a protected bike lane.
Along with LXRP we did not support alternative routes along Derby Crescent or Leamington Crescent, as neither would offer a direct or safe connection to the Djerring Trail.
Following community feedback and a lack of support from Glen Eira City Council, LXRP has reconsidered all of the potential options and is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
Why is Queens Avenue the best option?
Whilst we don't have any details on the new design options, Streets Alive is again calling on the community and Council to support a route along Queens Ave for the following reasons:
It is the most direct route – a good cycling network is a direct one.
It’s the safest route – it’s a highly visible, active street which is key to enabling women and children to ride.
Research shows that separated lanes are the only type of bike lanes that will enable the majority of our community to get on their bikes *. Queens Ave is the widest street being considered.
Parking issues will exist on every street. Every house on Queens Ave has some form of off-street parking **.
Car parking utilisation on Queens Ave is low – we have assessed the number of cars parked on Queens Ave since 2021, and typically there are between 7 and 23 cars across the 61 car spaces. This means that more than 60% of the parking spaces sit empty.
Using satellite imagery we surveyed the number of cars parked along Queens Avenue between January 2021 and January 2024 on 26 separate days. It sits largely unused, making it a prime candidate to become a safe cycling corridor.
What’s next?
Our city needs to rapidly roll out bike lanes to address climate change and meet the needs of our growing population.
If we are to meet any of Glen Eira’s strategic ambitions such as investing in climate action now (Our Climate Emergency Response Strategy) or achieving a 50:50 mode share split (car to non-car) by 2030 (Integrated Transport Strategy), we must support this project.
We encourage everyone to reach out to our councillor’s and MP’s at all levels to let them know you support safe cycling infrastructure on Queens Avenue.
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Ministers
Danny Pearson, Minister for Transport Infrastructure, danny.pearson@parliament.vic.gov.au
Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public & Active Transport, gabrielle.williams@parliament.vic.gov.au
Glen Eira City Council
Camden Ward
Cr Simone Zmood (Deputy Mayor), 0466 469 776, SZmood@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Cr Sam Parasol, 0466 372 822, SParasol@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Cr Jane Carslake ,0403 249 841, JKarslake@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Rosstown Ward
Cr Margaret Esakoff ,0407 831 893, MEsakoff@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Cr Tony Athanasopoulos, 0466 372 816, TAthanasopoulos@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Cr Sue Pennicuik, 0403 789 771, SPennicuik@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Tucker Ward
Cr Jim Magee, 0427 338 327, JMagee@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Cr Anne-Marie Cade (Mayor), 0466 372 809, ACade@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Cr Li Zhang, 0499 357 262, LZhang@gleneira.vic.gov.au
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Subject: Support for Queens Ave Bicycle Route
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my strong support for a safe and direct bicycle route connecting Glen Huntly and Caulfield stations. I understand the LXRP is considering several options, and I urge our decision-makers to choose the route that best meets the needs of cyclists in our community, specifically the Queens Avenue option.
Why Queens Avenue is the best route:
• Direct Route: A good cycling network prioritises direct routes, and Queens Avenue offers the most direct connection.
• Safer Cycling: Queens Avenue is a highly visible, active street, which is crucial for encouraging ridership. It’s also the widest, allowing for rider protection.
• Separated Lanes are essential: Separated lanes are the only type of bike lanes that will truly enable a significant portion of our community to feel comfortable cycling.
• Parking Concerns: While parking is a concern, it's important to note that most houses on Queens Avenue have some form of off-street parking. Additionally, Streets Alive Glen Eira’s assessment of car parking on Queens Avenue shows the majority of parking spaces sit unused.
As Glen Eira continues to grow, we need to make the most of our public space. A dedicated bike lane on Queens Avenue aligns with Glen Eira's goals of climate action and sustainable transport.
I urge you to work with the LXRP to ensure the chosen route for the Glen Huntly-Caulfield bicycle connection prioritises a safe, direct route with separated lanes on Queens Avenue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
* Pearson, L., Dipnall, J., Gabbe, B., Braaf, S., White, S., Backhouse, M., & Beck, B. (2022). The potential for bike riding across entire cities: Quantifying spatial variation in interest in bike riding. Journal of Transport & Health, 24, [101290]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101290
** See our previous article that further details on off-street parking on Queens Ave.
