Cycling in Melbourne Australia

Can we organise a cyclovia on Eastlink?

Fellow cyclonistas. I am not sure if any of you read today's article in The Age (Monday 28 April 2008). There was an article in it about a push to not spend any more $$$ on "free"ways. If you think this idea is off the planet, check your french newspapers. France's new president actually announced just that. But never mind the article (which you can read here if you want) it is all about the photo for the piece. +50 points for the first person to spot Oz on this photo:

In case you need reading glasses, check the left emergency lane. A lone rider is living the dream. And then it hit me. Wouldn't it be great if Eastlink and the appropriate government officials got together and for once in Eastlink's decades and decades of life to come give the people of Melbourne 39km of the most beautiful virgin asphalt to cycle, rollerblade, skeeler, unicycle, run, or even organise a race? Sydney road worked. Other cyclovias in other countries and cities worked. This is the same concept except it is supersized. And most importantly: NO MOTORIST CAN WHINGE BECAUSE THE ROAD ISN'T EVEN OPEN SO NOBODY GETS INCONVENIENCED.
But now I'm stuck. How the heck can you organise such a thing? does anybody know anyone on the board of Eastlink? Do you just sent them an email? Can Bicycle Victoria help out here? Of course, once Eastlink is actually open you can kiss any cyclovia on it goodbye.

Tags: cyclovia, eastlink

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Permalink Reply by ChrisS on April 28, 2008 at 11:45pm: Well I've ridden through Burnley tunnel dressed as a giant Red Cat ...

Oh sweet, sweet hotmix!

Seriously though, have a gander at the EL site for Le Grand Opening. You should have a chat to Alan Parker about the opening of Westgate.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hielke on April 29, 2008 at 12:42am: Thanks for that. Well, I emailed James Tonkin, General Manager Community Relations & Public Affairs at ConnectEast (the people that own and run Eastlink). I cc-ed Great Event Company and cyclovia.org. But in these days there is a good chance my email goes straight into the junk bin...... If any news breaks I will post it. Alan organised the ride the day before the West gate opened. Something tells me that according to him the chances of BV actually supporting a cyclovia on Eastlink approximate those of West Coast taking out this year's premiership.....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ChrisS on April 29, 2008 at 1:08am: Westcoast? No chance, they've peaked early again and the next three seasons will be taken up with team rebuilding.

I'm miffed that the chance to win a Renault Laguna is restricted to those on the east side of town. If I won, it would be sold immediately and the proceeds would go towards funding a custom Llewellyn. For me.

If the appropriate authorities don't get back to you, go with Plan B. Register for updates and get a telephone tree organised. Then SMS everyone when thunderbirds are go.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mickey Who on April 29, 2008 at 12:58am: Yes please!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stavros on April 29, 2008 at 9:08am: Bloody great idea. I'd love join a pre opening ride.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Oz on April 29, 2008 at 5:24pm: It cant be me in the pic....I road in the middle lanes.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hielke on April 30, 2008 at 12:02am: Connect East was very quick. I received a phonecall today while having lunch at Melbourne Central. Due to the noise I was unable to catch her name but the lady said that Connect East was already planning an opening for non-motorised users prior to the official opening for cars, similar in spirit to what I was suggesting. She had no further details as they themselves don't know yet when the opening will be. They were also not quite sure on how to make sure the road was safe etc. So it won't be a cyclovia but there is a good chance of some free for all just before the opening. I signed up for their news alerts. If details are known I will post them. She also reiterated that the road is not yet open and it is illegal to ride on it. This also holds for various sections of the new eastlink bike path. Just passing it on. Cheers.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stavros on April 30, 2008 at 11:34am: Illegal!!!! Oh dear.....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ChrisS on April 30, 2008 at 2:50pm: And I was attempting to make that very pic the new MC header image!

Problem was it was a awkward aspect to fit into a 955 x 190px image. If time permits I'll go fiddle with the CSS.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ChrisS on May 12, 2008 at 12:03am: Opening date set for 29 June.

Now a update from the Connect East site on baby-kissing, walk-the-dog, cyclovia open day for the public.

ConnectEast also revealed plans to host a community open day on Sunday 15 June to give people a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk, run or cycle on the road before it opens to traffic.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by rougedragon on May 12, 2008 at 12:22am: What a pretty road, just begging for cyclists; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ChrisS on May 12, 2008 at 8:21pm: From the Ride Eastlink Challenge website:

Are you dreaming of the day when they will build the perfect cycling road? A magnificent wide road with a beautifully smooth surface that allows you to get the maximum benefit out of every stroke of the pedal - with no motorised company.

Well wake up and enter the Eastlink Cycling Challenge because the time has arrived! To celebrate the imminent open of the new Eastlink we are offering a "once-in-a-lifetime" cycling opportunity - ride Eastlink and raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria.

While I have absolutely nothing against the CCV, but wasn't someone taking the piss when writing the two opening sentences? And $39 a pop to get timed!

At least the Other Event is kinda free....; ▶ Reply to This