Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Detached plank on Gardiner's Creek trail
Hello all, I am a daily cyclist on the Gardiner's Creek trail. Near St Kevin's in Heyington there is a plank (about the fifth along from the south side) that has become detached and threatens to fall into the creek below creating a 10cm gap in the path.
I emailed Stonnington a week ago and they said it's Vic Roads, and VicRoads has now said it's Boorondara. So I have now emailed them.
It would be good if all there was a sign along each section of track identifying who's responsible!
Anyway, we'll see what happens. That section needs a lot of maintenance - they replaced some boards a year or two ago but they need to do it again.
Tony
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John E. on -
Good on you, I've noticed it get progressively worse over the last few weeks - why that stretch isn't just continued plywood I don't know, it would be smoother and safer. Actually, Bicycle Victoria would be good people to approach, this is the sort of thing they can chase up. Another issue just a little further West is the turn coming off the ramp onto the Yarra Trail - I have to slow right down to turn about 160 degrees to head upstream, always very dodgy with people going like hell through there. Don't hold your breath for any action though, the Libs have just cut bike funding to zero.
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Permalink Reply by Adrian Tritschler on -
General rule of thumb when reporting problems with any bike path, "its someone else's problem" and the councils and VicRoads can seem to spend more energy trying to avoid doing the work than it would take to actually do the work.
BV (BNV now that they've become a "health charity" rather than a "bicycle advocacy group") will point you to "the council" and won't do the chasing for you. http://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/change-the-world/10122/
If you've got an iPhone or android smart phone then one of the apps. such as "SeeClickFix" or "NeatStreets" may help, they act as a clearing-house and send the reports on to the responsible body (when they can find it) and the councils tend to view the reports a little more seriously. I've had moderate success with NeatStreets in getting overhanging branches and gaping holes fixed, usually within one to two months of reporting the hazard.
Following up with queries at fortnightly or monthly intervals asking (politely) when it will be fixed always helps -- and don't be put off by "it is scheduled for repairs", keep asking WHEN is it scheduled for repairs.
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Permalink Reply by Tonzo on -
OK - update - very helpful Chris Hui from Boroondara Council confirmed that it was VicRoads responsibility. He informs me that he understands the detached plank was fixed today with more permanent repairs in the near future.
My bike is in for repairs at the moment so can't verify this but I hope it has been fixed!
Tony
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Permalink Reply by thelankymanx2 on
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I would have actually though it was VicParks responsisbility as they look after most of the works that were associated with the Citylink project that improved bike facilities.
Anyway the plank has been fixed so that it is good to see they are responsive. It often isn't a handball situation, most people at council don't know the delineation of the assets.
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