Supporter Update - R.E. Needed - Priority Pedestrian Crossing - Conversion
 
Before we get into the update, I would like to generously thank all of those that have taken the time and effort to sign the petition… as well as those that have reacted positively, on various social media platforms; especially those from the Facebook Group known as the ‘Fitzroy Neighbourhood Network’.
 
Now, the update: At the beginning of this campaign, we had sent through to the Yarra City Council, a request to have the Edinburgh Gardens crossing (between Fergie & Falconer Streets) upgraded… since then, there has been a reply from Sustainability & Strategic Transport Unit, acknowledging this crossing a being problematic, as well as stating that they will investigate the construction of a safer crossing pending their 2021 budget.
 
We have also been lucky enough to have a well-informed member of the Fitzroy Neighbourhood Network, whose insights include that this item was on the Yarra City Council’s radar, as part of their Council's Bike Strategy 2016 – 2020. That sounded promising, however it was also disappointing, as it seems that it may have been looked over, due to the fact that we are now past the end of the 2020 financial year and it has not been addressed.
 
Therefore, we need to return this issue to the forefront of the Yarra City Councils priorities, by reminding them of the urgency for this Edinburgh Gardens crossing to be given a safer traffic treatment.
 
We can all do this by spreading the word and getting more signatures and contributors to our Petition.
 
We have also reached out to another champion organisation, the ‘Bicycle Network – Victoria’ who has contributed enormously over the years to improving the pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure of not only Victoria, but also nationally. They were quick to respond with what seems to be some very promising news; they confirmed that the Yarra City Council has some road resurfacing planned for Alfred Crescent next year, and that they  would most likely incorporate a crossing upgrade into that project. However, there was no mentioned on when this would occur and if the crossing inclusion could be guaranteed.
 
The question therefore is, should we have faith, that a safer crossing treatment will be incorporated as part of the Yarra City Councils capital works sometime in 2021, or should we encourage them, through various means like this petition… to approach this much needed safety treatment as an urgent independent project?!  
 
Rounding-up this update, through the support of all of you and also the organisations we have reached out to, we can continue to keep this issue alive so that the Council who is responsible for these Garden’s, their users and their rate payers, make sure we get the best possible outcomes. The people at ‘Bicycle Network – Victoria’, have informed us that they will also reach out to the Yarra Council in the hope to speed up the process.
 
Thank you so much for your support, so far… together we will successfully deliver a safer outcome for the Edinburgh Gardens Communities.