Melbourne Bike Lane Budget Cuts – Have Your Say Today
A shortfall in the City of Melbourne’s draft Budget has raised concerns over the future of the city’s inner-urban cycling infrastructure.
Despite a previous commitment to maintain funding at $3 million annually over the next four years, the newly released draft allocates just $1.5 million for each of the next two financial years – a $3 million reduction from the expected investment.
The move appears at odds with Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s public pledge during his recent election campaign. At the time, Cr Reece promised to “maintain investment in bike lanes over the next four years at the same level as the previous term of council.”
Adding to the confusion is the fact that Melbourne’s current cycling infrastructure plan was not only carefully negotiated but widely supported. The program was agreed upon in April last year following a roundtable discussion involving council representatives, Bicycle Network, and Cr Reece himself. The plan was subsequently endorsed by council.
Council ‘Walking Back’ On Promises
Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack said the City of Melbourne is walking back on its commitment to safe, sustainable transport by slashing $3 million from its promised investment in bike lanes.
“These cuts threaten Melbourne’s ability to meet its 2030 sustainability targets and make it harder for people to choose active, low-impact transport,” she said.
“Bike lanes aren’t a luxury, they’re a necessity for thousands of city workers everyday.
“We need riders to help us hold decision-makers accountable and keep Melbourne moving, safely, sustainably and for everyone. Make a submission and get these cuts reversed.”
For more than two decades, the City of Melbourne and Bicycle Network have cultivated a collaborative and effective partnership to deliver bike-friendly infrastructure. That work has helped transform central Melbourne into a more liveable, vibrant, and economically resilient city.
Now, with the draft Budget open for public consultation, concerned residents have a narrow window to voice their support for cycling infrastructure.
