Bike ban blow to cyclists

By Tania Martin
A KNOX City councillor has labelled a bicycle ban on peak-hour train services as a Band-Aid treatment for the overcrowding of the public transport system.
Tirhatuan Ward councillor Mick Van de Vreede said the ban would force Knox cyclists back into their cars.
“Many Knox residents are doing the right thing by combining riding to work with a trip on pubic transport,” he said.
But under a State Government ban, from 1 January, bicycles are not be permitted on train services travelling through Zone One and arriving in Melbourne between 7am and 9am and on trains departing between 4pm and 7pm.
Cr Van de Vreede said that for many residents it was not practical to ride the whole way to work and that it was especially difficult for those who worked in the city.
He said all the ban would do was force riders back into their cars and would again increase traffic congestion.
“This ban really seems at odds with the Government’s support for increased use of public transport,” Cr Van de Vreede said.
“It’s little more than a Band-Aid solution to peak hour overcrowding.”
Cr Van de Vreede said the Government should be encouraging people to combine cycling with public transport, not banning them.
He said the ban highlighted Melbourne’s need for a more integrated public transport system.
“Perhaps the State Government needs to look at a public transport system that accommodates everybody,” Cr Van de Vreede said.
“Public transport is the key to a more sustainable future and its needs to be made accessible to people with and without bikes.”
The Mail attempted to contact the Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky but was unable to get a response before going to print.