Hello Cyclists and supporters of thi petition,

This Tuesday, we attended the April meeting of Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Thanks to everyone who came along!

I adressed Council about the petition on Change.org and also submitted a second petition that is formally compliant with the Council’s requirements. As they say, the devil is in the details!
Instead of asking Mount Alexander Shire to join Super Tuesday in 2027, I slightly rephrased the request:

“Will Mount Alexander Shire Council consider participating in Bicycle Network’s ‘Super Tuesday’ commuter cyclist count in 2027, and explore funding pathways — such as partnerships, grants, or community-supported contributions?”

Unfortunately, Michael Annear, the Shire’s Director of Infrastructure and Development, did not address the petition or my question.

Mr Annear replied:

“Thank you Matthias for your question and interest in supporting the collection of data to inform decisions regarding active transport and specifically cycling.
I confirm that Council does not plan to participate in the Bicycle Network Super Tuesday event. This is due to the cost of participation.
However, we are planning an active transport data collection count at 15–20 locations across the Shire, which will involve Council staff and volunteers on the morning of Tuesday 5 May 2026. Communication on how people can volunteer will be released soon.”

The Mayor confirmed that the petition met the criteria under Clause 12.2.5 of the Governance Rules 2023, and that a response would be provided to Council in two scheduled meetings’ time.

I followed up and pointed out that I was clearly referring to 2027(!), but received no further response.

Personally, I found this outcome disappointing, as a hasty organised count, two month later than the Super Tuesday will not provide  data comparable to the Super Tuesday, nor will it get that reach as data collected and made accessible by Bicycle Network.
However we should focus on the positives, and make the best of it.

So the 5th of May 2026 should be Castlemaine’s >Ride to Everywhere Day<  If you are a cyclist, you should be seen on the tracks, roads, and the few bike lanes we have that morning. Please wear high visible clothing, have your lights on, stay safe and make it count!

Cheers,
Matt

Here the minutes of the meeting: https://www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Past-Council-Meetings