Project objective

To provide a safer cycling experience for riders of all ages and abilities, we’re proposing to implement no stopping restrictions at specific times on Balcombe Road between Reserve and Charman Roads (excluding the angle parking at Seaview shops). The timed restrictions will apply on the south side of the road between 8am and 9am on school days, and on the north side of the road between 3pm and 4pm on school days.

The new restrictions will provide more on-road space for riders. The times proposed are targeted around busy school commuting hours. This is to improve connectivity for local school communities and to encourage the use of sustainable transport.

Following advocacy to Council from the local community, the project aligns with the Bayside Integrated Transport Strategy 2018 – 2028, theme three of the Bayside 2050 Community Vision, and the Council Plan 2021 – 2025.

This engagement will also help to raise community awareness of sustainable transport modes, the local cycling network and may inform the implementation of other strategic initiatives relating to integrated transport and sustainability.


Project impacts

Research suggests the provision of safer cycling paths increases participation in active transport and cycling. Balcombe Road is included in the Principal Bicycle Network as identified by the Victorian State Government. This is a network of proposed and existing cycle routes that help people cycle for transport, and provide access to major destinations in Victoria, and provide a guide for planning, prioritisation and implementation of safer on-road bicycle routes and facilities.

The implementation of the proposed restrictions will help to:

  • improve safety for cyclists
  • improve the on-road Principal Bicycle Network connections
  • respond to community advocacy for safer cycling, particularly for school-age children
  • encourage active transport for the community
  • support Council’s efforts to address the climate emergency by encouraging zero-carbon transport and improve air quality.

The no stopping signage will result in fewer on-street parking spaces during the proposed restricted times.


What information do we need from the community?

Community engagement for the proposed project, seeks to understand:

  • the level of support to implement the no stopping restrictions for the proposed days/ hours
  • the current, and likely future use of the cycling route
  • community feedback about the proposed restrictions and concerns not already considered for project delivery and implementation.

What can the community influence?

  • Council’s understanding of community sentiment about the installation of the no stopping restrictions in the proposed locations, for the proposed days and times
  • The decision for Council to endorse the proposed restrictions.

What can’t the community influence?

  • The location of the no stopping zones and signs.
  • The time and days the restrictions are proposed to apply.
  • Project costs and contractor selection for the installation of the signage.


Stakeholders and community

This stakeholder assessment is a generalised understanding of sections of the community that have a connection to the project or matter. This information is used to understand the types of tools and techniques that will achieve the strongest and most effective outcomes for engagement and communication.

Impact: What level of change the stakeholder / community segment may experience as a result of the project / matter

Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated

Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum


Stakeholder / community

Impact

Interest

Influence

Cyclists

H

H

Consult

Local residents

H

H

Consult

Beaumaris Secondary College – staff and community

M

H

Consult

Beaumaris North Primary School – staff and community

M

H

Consult

Beaumaris Primary School – staff and community

M

H

Consult

Bicycle Network Victoria

M

M

Consult

Department of Transport

M

M

Consult

Selected tools and techniques

The tools and techniques selected for this project are informed by the project content, stakeholders and type of feedback sought.

Key tools for communicating the project

  • Project page on Have Your Say engagement platform.
  • Direct email to relevant Have Your Say members.
  • News story on Bayside City Council (BCC) website.
  • Feature article in This Week in Bayside e-news.
  • Social media post on BCC channels.
  • Project information letter to local residents.
  • School newsletter article.

Key methods for gathering feedback

  • Online survey on the project’s Have Your Say page.
  • Capability to upload a written statement on the project’s Have Your Say page.
  • Online Q&A forum to address project questions and comments.
  • Email, post, or phone submissions.
  • Opportunity to book a meeting with Project Manager to discuss the project.
  • Printed materials, as required.


Project timeline

Stage title

Stage Status

Stage Description

Community consultation

Active

28 February – 26 March 2024

Collate and consider feedback

Not yet commenced

April 2024

Council decision

Not yet commenced

Mid 2024

Project delivery

Not yet commenced

Schedule of works to be confirmed providing Council support


Decision-making process

The community will be engaged over a four-week consultation about the proposal to install the new no stopping restrictions at specific times on school days on Balcombe Road.

It is expected the Director Environment, Recreation, and Infrastructure will consider the project's delivery after reviewing feedback from the community consultation.

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More information

Chris Phiniefs

Transport Planning Lead

03 9599 4830

cphiniefs@bayside.vic.gov.au