Get it fixed - Who to write to
About this page
Individuals and groups can make the world a better place to ride, by taking local action.
- Got a pothole in your bike path or an overhanging tree?
- Need bike signals on a crossing?
- Need debris swept from a bike lane?
- Need improvements on a rail trail?
Individuals and groups can make the world a better place to ride by taking local action.
Letters and email work
The first step is to work out who is the responsible authority and then write to them. See below for sorting out who to write to. A phone call is usually not enough. You have to put your concerns in writing if you are to expect a result.
Bicycle Victoria can help back you up, but we rely on Members and cyclists to pursue local problems so that we can focus our efforts on major campaigns. One of the great strengths of Bicycle Victoria is our active Membership. Please see How we answer Facilities Development emails for more information on our email email policy.
Local action gets results. We have many examples of cyclists writing to the local council or other authority and getting things fixed. You might also be interested in contacting the local Bicycle User Group (BUG) as most campaign for better bicycle facilities in their local area.
Correspondence should be directed to the general email or postal address so that it is logged by the Council or or Department when received, then redirected to the relevant person. Sometimes you may need to send a follow-up email or letter if you don't receive a response from your initial correspondence.
CC a copy of any correspondence to Bicycle Victoria at this email address. At the moment (October 2008) we suggest that you send us a message to let us know that you have emailed us. We are moving from emails to messages.
You can post a copy of the letter to PO Box 426, COLLINS ST WEST, VIC 8007. That way we know about the problem, and they know that we know. We keep a record of all correspondence to each authority and can then follow up on issues when we talk to these authorities.
Be as specific as possible when writing: give Melway/directory references, indicate if it's a safety hazard, suggest what they might do to fix it and send pictures if you can. Bicycle Victoria suggests that you write in a tone that is clear, polite and firm. Abusive letters rarely get a response and can, in fact, be counter-productive.
Who to write to
In most cases the people you need to speak to are at the relevant local council. Local councils are responsible for local roads (the brown and orange roads in the Melway or the thin black roads in the VicRoads country directory) and parks, and also for maintenance of some main roads and arterial paths.
If it turns out that they are not the responsible authority, they can direct you to the right one. To find out which council to contact, look in the Melway or VicRoads country directory.
For metropolitan councils, the council borders are shown in Melway with yellow lines. The council names are in red. For regional councils, borders and council names are shown in the VicRoads country directory in green.
Work out which council you need to contact and then find their email address at the Department of Infrastructure local council list. Attention your email to the Chief Executive Officer of the council. A list of email addresses is at the bottom of this page.
Other bodies to speak to
As well as writing to the local council, you can also send a copy to the relevant state government department.
Main roads & traffic signal faults - If your problem is on a main road or freeway (the black and red and most red roads in the Melways or the red and thick black roads in the VicRoads country directory) or with traffic signals, then you should also write to VicRoads. For urgent signal faults ring 131170.
Eastlink Trail - This new major trail, 35k in length, may reveal some construction faults as riders begin to use it in numbers. Report problems here.
Monash-CityLink-Westgate upgrade - This massive project is impacting in bike network facilities, and the construction team is general responsive to probems. Contact them here.
Broken glass or hazards on road - Road managing authorities conduct cleaning on routine basis and occasionally as required. Any unsafe road conditions should be reported to the relevant local council or VicRoads Telephone Information Service 13 11 74. This could include glass or other hazards left on the road. VicRoads contact details, ph: 13 11 70 (or 13 11 74). For broken glass cleanup phone 13 11 74 and choose option 4 on the menu to speak with a VicRoads representative.
Rule 293 (3 penalty units) of Road Rules Victoria requires the driver to remove anything fallen onto, or put on, the road from a vehicle, if there is a possibility of injury, obstruction or damage resulting from its presence. Fallen things include accident debris, oil or grease.
The Transport Tow Truck Regulations 1994 at Section 13 / 1 require a tow truck driver removing a vehicle to remove all debris including glass ($165 fine). Tow trucks are required to carry a broom, shovel and rubbish receptacle.
Trails in National Parks - If your problem is in a state or national park then you should also write to Parks Victoria:
Ph 13 1963 or Email
Trails along major waterways - Along a major waterway (eg: Yarra River) there are often many bodies and councils with responsibilities. Use the Melway or a map to work out the local council and start there. See list below.
Rail trails - If your problem is on crown land or with a rail trail then you should also write to the Department of Sustainability and Environment:
Ph 136 186 or Email
Many rail trails are managed by a volunteer Committee of Management. See the Rail Trails Austraila website for contact information for each of the trails.
Manhole covers on roads - If you have a problem with water services such as manhole or water main covers on roads then you should also write to Melbourne Water.
Ph: 131 722 or Email
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