The decision to progress the Inkerman Road route to design stage followed an extensive process of technical assessment, community and stakeholder feedback, and a lengthy and impassioned debate in the Council Chamber.

Council had explored four alternative route options for the corridor, including Dandenong Road, and options that combined Alma Road and Inkerman Road. The options were assessed against three criteria: safety for cyclists; impact on the neighbourhood; and feasibility of construction.

The report presented by officers recommended Inkerman Road to be strongest of the options under consideration.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Margaret Esakoff acknowledged the significant community concerns presented with the chosen route.

“We would like to thank everyone who got involved with the project and shared their views with us over the last few months. This has been a difficult process for both Council and community, particularly given the variety of views (both for and against) and the concerns around impacts on those residents in the vicinity of the proposed corridor,” Cr Esakoff said.

"Council will now fully explore these concerns with a Community Reference Group to progress a detailed design that enables the Safe Cycling Corridor pilot while reducing the impact on neighbouring properties as much as possible.”

Council will receive a further report mid-2020 which will outline a proposed functional layout, indicative costings, and detail how community concerns have been able to be addressed through the design process. Council will then decide whether or not to proceed to construction.

Background

In early 2019, Council engaged with residents on the opportunity for a Safe Cycling Corridor along Inkerman Road in Caulfield North. During this consultation, Council heard a of views, including the need for more information. Over a six-week period across

September and early October 2019, Council sought input from the community and stakeholders on the route options. More than 23,000 surveys were mailed to households in Glen Eira and Port Phillip.

Council received a total of 1,530 survey responses on Council’s Corridor Assessment Report, as well as feedback via petitions, listening posts, a drop-in session, emails, phone calls and focus group sessions.