My family and I, along with many of our neighbours, rely on South Crescent in Northcote for our daily commutes. We cycle to school or work, walk to the Westgarth shops and use this route to get around the inner north of Melbourne. 

Darebin Council is currently considering projects and plans on South Crescent. But they have failed to do anything to make South Crescent a safer cycling or better walking space. All they are currently planning is to remove 4 parking spots near Westgarth Station. This is serious missed opportunity. 

South Crescent is popular with cyclists and walkers alike. It connects cyclists to the city, Northcote High and Westgarth Primary, as well as to Fairfield and Alphington. Lots of people walk their dogs or meet friends for a walk too. It could be a really pleasant and safe place in the heart of our community. 

Cycling is not only a sustainable mode of transport but also a healthy lifestyle choice. Yet without proper infrastructure and safety measures in place, it can become a risk rather than a benefit. In Australia alone, there were 38 cyclist fatalities in 2020 (source: Bureau of Infrastructure Transport and Regional Economics). 

South Crescent is no exception. There is little reason for cars to use South Crescent from one end to the other, but lots of people tell me they’ve have had near misses riding along it. 

Council should be trying to eliminate this unnecessary danger to us all - children going to school, adults commuting to work or anyone simply enjoying a leisurely ride.

We propose that Darebin Council takes immediate action to prioritise cycling and walking  along South Crescent. These actions could include:

Installing a vehicle barrier to prevent cars using the whole length of South Crescent. 

• The barrier could be at Mason Street (near the café) so that cars turn north towards Clarke Street.
• The barrier could allow bikes to pass on the sides, but still block cars and trucks. 

Working with the State Government to get a bike path built along the nature strip by the train line. 

• There’s lots of space for an off-road bike path by the train line, and yet Council hasn’t approached the Government for a partnership. 

Counting the bike and walkers along South Crescent. 

• Every time I walk or ride there, I see far more cyclists and walkers than cars and trucks. Darebin has investigated the use of the parking spaces near Dennis and Westgarth Stations, but hasn’t counted the bikes and pedestrians along South Crescent as far as I know. 

Darebin should listen to the views of the people that sign this petition and consult with the local community on these proposed actions. 

Darebin should find the money for any changes that need to be made in next year’s Budget. 

By making these changes we can ensure that everyone who uses South Crescent - from my family to yours - can do so safely while promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainability within our community.

Please sign this petition if you believe in creating safer streets for cyclists in Northcote.