[YarraBUG-list] MCC Rangers + Police fining cyclists in Carlton Gardens]

[Yarra Bicycle Users Group]

Hi all,

Numerous cyclists have been fined this week for riding through Carlton
Gardens.

This involves the Melbourne Council Rangers and the Police bicycle patrol
stopping riders, obtaining their details. Riders are then issued a $250
fine under Melbourne Council laws, and also $50 for riding on the footpath
by the Police.

Potentially $300 all up. That stings.

The Carlton Gardens have been subject to long running attempts at public
consultation, including groups & individuals trying to improve cycling
access, over the last decade. To cut a very long story short,
unfortunately there's very entrenched local resident opposition to shared
use of the park.

There is the option of the shared footpath on Nicholson St or just
avoiding the entire park, but considering that Canning St, a major
commuting route, ends at Carlton Street, with a path leading through the
park, it's sometimes too temping for many riders simply to continue
through the park and not up Carlton St to Nicholson.

So avoid taking shortcuts through Carlton Gardens. Unless you've got deep
pockets or can ride real fast to avoid the rangers & police, or which,
either option isn't particular intelligent.

On a more positive note, the recent developed City of Yarra
Bicycle Strategy 2010-2015 will hopefully be out for public consultation
between September- December 2009. As part of the strategy the council wish
to develop improved cycling access with surrounding councils.

There's opportunity here to build a case for improved access to Carlton
Gardens, but as it's Melb Council jurisdiction, it's pretty much still
their call where it comes to allowing cycling access on the park paths.







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Yarra Bicycle Users Group
PO Box 253
Clifton Hill VIC 3068
http://www.yarrabug.org

Listen to YarraBUG Radio + Weekly Podcasts
Every Monday morning 10-10.30am on 3CR Community Radio
http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/
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