Last year Darebin Council agreed to install a vehicle barrier to make South Crescent a safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Now they are scrapping their plans.
There’s a motion at the next Council meeting to go back on their plans from last year, and it’s supported by the Councillors from the largest party on Council (ALP).
Council recorded 717 bikes using South Crescent per day in February 2021, making this street a much-loved route for students going to Primary and High school, commuters on their way towards the city, and people just out enjoying their day.
A few simple measures could make South Crescent even safer, which is particularly important for students and people who feel less confident riding in traffic.
Council is playing politics with our safety.
South Crescent safety was the most popular issue in Council’s own survey on transport in Northcote and Alphington in 2023.
Backtracking on last year’s decision, Council is ignoring the results of their own survey, claiming that the results were ‘stacked’ by Greens party supporters.
It’s vital that you contact your Councillors and tell them that South Crescent is an important walking and cycling route and that you want what Council promised to do unanimously last year: better safety for cyclists and walkers.
It connects school students to Northcote High and Westgarth Primary Schools, and is a much safer route than Clarke Street or Bastings Street, which both have lots of traffic.
What you can do:
· Contact your local Councillors
It’s vital that you contact your Councillors and tell them that South Crescent is an important walking and cycling route and that you want what Council promised to do last year: better safety for cyclists and walkers.
Contact your local Councillors through email/phone (details below) and tell them not to support the motion to revoke safer cycling and walking on South Crescent. Tell them:
· South Crescent is popular with cyclists and walkers alike. Over 700 cyclists use the street every day. 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 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.
· 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.
· Share the petition with your friends on Insta, Facebook, Discord etc
Share the link https://www.change.org/southcrescent and encourage people you know to support this important campaign.
We know that Council pays attention to how many residents contact them and sign petitions, it really does matter.
5 minutes of your time today could make the difference. Please email your Councillor.
How to contact your Councillor
South Crescent is in South Ward. If you’re not sure which ward you live in, visit the VEC for a map.
Cr Kristine Olaris OAM (Mayor) – Central Ward, Mobile: 0427 450 751
Email: Kristine.Olaris@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Emily Dimitriadis (Deputy Mayor) – South East Ward, Mobile: 0437 918 708
Email: Emily.Dimitriadis@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Matt Arturi – North East Ward, Mobile: 0417 294 158
Email: Matt.Arturi@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Connie Boglis OAM – West Ward, Mobile: 0427 938 376
Email: Connie.Boglis@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Gaetano Greco - North West Ward, Mobile: 0419 750 214
Email: Gaetano.Greco@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Ruth Jelley – South Central Ward, Mobile: 0459 949 340
Email: Ruth.Jelley@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Julie O'Brien – South Ward, Mobile: 0459 406 253
Email: Julie.O'Brien@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Alexandra Sangster – South West Ward, Mobile: 0467 838 844
Email: Alexandra.Sangster@darebin.vic.gov.au
Cr Vasilios Tsalkos – North Central Ward, Mobile: 0461 389 079
Email: Vasilios.Tsalkos@darebin.vic.gov.au