Sunbury Bicycle Users Group will conduct a bike and pedestrian count on Vineyard Road as it continues to push for the extension of a path that stops dangerously short of a Calder Freeway overpass.
VicRoads has confirmed that Hume and Melton councils have agreed on a strategy and shared responsibilities for the completion of the path.
However, the Diggers Rest side of the path won’t be done until a developer funds its share.
Sunbury BUG spokesman Hector Bugeja said the proposed timeline of up to five years was of major concern.
‘‘Without being too dramatic, there’s a serious risk that someone will be badly injured or killed in the meantime,’’ the former Bulla councillor said.
As reported by Star Weekly, the path currently ends 200 metres before the Calder Freeway at Moore Road, forcing cyclists and pedestrians heading for Diggers Rest to cross on to the busy road.
While VicRoads will carry out its own assessment of the site, Sunbury BUG volunteers will conduct a bike and pedestrian count all day on May 7, aiming to highlight the need for urgent action.
‘‘With all the housing going up in Diggers Rest and a proposed primary school on Vineyard Road, there’s going to be a lot of movement of people across that road,’’ Mr Bugeja said.
‘‘There’s not a lot of people who use it at the minute because it doesn’t go anywhere.
“What we’re saying is, if you want this pathway, let them [VicRoads and the councils] know.’’
Mr Bugeja, who has previously criticised the longer timeframes of strategies and possible major upgrades for the path, said a short-term solution could be achieved as soon as someone put up the money.
VicRoads has previously said path improvements would be considered as part of a $100 million program for new facilities across the state.
