New bike path expands Melbourne's cycling network

The opening of the newly extended Darebin Creek Trail cycling and walking path is extending recreation opportunities 14 kilometres from Melbourne's Metropolitan Ring Road Trail to Sparks Reserve.

Welcoming the recently opening, Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy stated that the Trail " will greatly improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists," adding "I congratulate Parks Victoria and Banyule City Council for their hard work in delivering a great new public asset.

"Expanding on Melbourne's extensive bike network encourages more people to enjoy an active lifestyle, whether that's an easy Sunday ride with the family or abandoning the car to cycle to work."

The Victorian Government and Banyule City Council each contributed $340,000 to the project, with Minister Guy announcing that initial works are continuing to connect the new section of the Darebin Creek Trail with the Main Yarra Trail at Kew East.

Minister Guy concluded "this project paves the way for the Darebin Yarra Link Trail, which will open up hundreds of kilometres of bike paths throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area (and) connecting some of Melbourne's most popular bike paths on both sides of the Yarra River."

Part of the Victorian Government's 10-year Cycling into the Future strategy is to grow and support cycling and build a more bicycle friendly state.

The Victorian Government is investing more than $30 million this financial year on a range of cycling projects including improved cycling paths, new trails, bike cages and hoops as well as education and awareness campaigns and support for cycling events.

Image courtesy of The Bicycle Network

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