After taking on board community feedback across two conversations during 2022, Council has resolved to work with government agencies to deliver improved cycling infrastructure in Braybrook - including a signalised crossing at the intersection with Ballarat Road, which will be a critical element to creating a safer environment for cyclists navigating through the suburb.

After residents expressed concerns around initial options presented for a new separated bike path along Melon Street in Braybrook, Council sought feedback on six new options during a second conversation in November, from which respondents were asked to select their three most preferred options.

• 186 contributions were received
• there was no clear favourite with five of the six options having between 48-66% support
• residents who live on the street (who made up 33% of total respondents) preferred Option F (59%). This option would have put bicycle symbols in the parking lane but offered no extra protection or space for cyclists when compared to existing conditions
• Non-residents of Melon Street (who made up 67% of total respondents) chose Option B and C equally. Both options provided protected bike lanes, with Option B maintaining two-way traffic with indented parking, and Option C removing trees to widen the road and retain parking on one side

In July and August 2022, Council asked for feedback on two options to install a protected bi-directional (two-way) bike lane between South Road and Ballarat Road, linking into the existing shared user path on South Road and future bicycle path along Lacy Street.

One option retained two-way traffic and option two would have seen the street become one-way in parts. Both options would have resulted in a loss of car parking and a change in navigation for motorists through the area.

While generally supportive of traffic calming measures and increased safety for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, more than 60% of the 215 residents who provided feedback did not support either of the options presented.

• 24.19% supported Option 1 (protected bike path and one-way traffic)
• 13.02% supported Option 2 (protected bike path and two-way traffic)
• 62.79% did not support either option.

Key concerns included:

• The impact on parking
• Changed navigation on or nearby Melon Street
• Anticipated transfer of traffic onto surrounding side streets