Tuesday, 11 March, 2025
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Women on track Public transport is key to new arrivals forging independent lives, says Rachna Madaan Bowman, pictured front third left with Jenny Odgers and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams at an International Womens Event in Dandenong on Friday 7 March. The event was a unique collaboration
between
South
East Community Links and Metro Trains. For more on the story, turn to page 8
(Stewart Chambers: 461805)
Pump the brakes By Sahar Foladi A proposed 30km/h speed limit on local streets would improve school road safety and boost walking and cycling in Dandenong, according to a Monash University expert. The idea was floated in Infrastructure Victoria’s draft 30-year strategy, including the lower speed limit across metro Melbourne’s local streets. Dr Lauren Pearson, whose research examines the benefits of slower speed limits, says it would be apt for both inner and outer suburbs.. It could be best trialed around schools, she says. “Dandenong has a lot of schools and lower active transportation but a desire to bike-ride across
Monash University expert Dr Lauren Pearson researched the benefits of lower speed limits in local communities.(Supplied) the community. “This intervention is the best way to enhance safety for kids to move in their local area in a safe way.
“People don’t just travel to school but move through their local community as well. “Amid a physical activity and mental health crisis, increasing road trauma rates, and a climate emergency, the need for interventions such as these to enable people to use active mobility (walking and biking) are more important than ever.” As part of her research in British Columbia, a trial implemented around schools, childcare centres and playgrounds proved to be effective. It led to the 30km/h limit expanding to other streets. However, one of the arguments against this initiative is that it may increase traffic times and congestion. Dr Pearson said speed limits are not necessarily the cause of travel delays.
“We know from mounting evidence and great modelling that doesn’t happen because travel times come from other kinds of traffic interventions such as roundabouts and traffic lights. “When you have something like 30km/h you enable people not to take their car and instead use their bikes or walk. It reverses the impact of congestion.” The Infrastructure Victoria draft stategy includes 43 recommendations prepared by a team of economists, land use planners, sector experts and social researchers. Public comment on the IV draft strategy and options is open until Monday 28 April. The final strategy will be tabled to State Parliament in late 2025.
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