Walking in Glen Eira

Pedestrian safety audits for schools

Each year, pedestrian safety audits are undertaken for at least two schools in Glen Eira. The review, conducted by an independent senior road safety auditor, identifies any deficiencies that may currently exist around the school and also on the walking and cycling routes to and from the school. Recommendations are then provided to remedy the problem such as:

• Installation of pedestrian fencing;
• Installation of kerb ramps; and
• Installation of signage and linemarking.

Pedestrian safety reviews for shopping centres

Each year a pedestrian safety review is undertaken for at least one major shopping centre in Glen Eira. The review, conducted by an independent senior road safety auditor, identifies any deficiencies that may currently exist and provides recommendations to remedy the problem.  Following a recent review for Elsternwick the following improvements have been undertaken:

• A painted median has been installed;
• A splitter island has been constructed;
• Flashing pedestrian lights for Horne Street have been installed; and
• A 40km/h speed limit will be implemented.       

Automatic activation of pedestrian phasing at traffic signals

Religious observance prevents orthodox Jewish pedestrians from pressing the push button to activate the walk phases at traffic signals on the Sabbath and holy days. This created a situation where Jewish pedestrians may have crossed the road while a red man is displayed, which has obvious consequences for road safety and enforcement.  

Council and VicRoads have therefore reprogrammed 15 traffic signals within Glen Eira to ensure the pedestrian phase is provided for every cycle instead of a person needing to push the button.  President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria John Searle said “The project is a wonderful example of the co-operation that exists between our community, Victoria Police and Council.”

Photo: President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria John Searle, Inspector Margaret Lewis from Caulfield Police and Glen Eira Councillor Helen Whiteside test out the new automated pedestrian signals at the Kooyong Road / Inkerman Road intersection on Caulfield North 

Star Rating Tool for schools

Council is assisting in a pilot program for the Star Rating Tool being undertaken by Caulfield Community Health Service (CCHS) and Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).

CCHS has been supporting active travel (walking, cycling) in primary schools in conjunction with VicHealth. One of the key barriers to achieving higher participation in active travel has been found to be parental concern regarding pedestrian safety in the vicinity of schools.

The Star Rating Tool uses volunteers, CCHS and MUARC staff and experts to provide an assessment (ie. 1 –  5 stars) of particular crossing points and highlights potential improvements to raise the star rating. The Star Rating Tool aims to allow parents/school communities to make informed choices regarding routes for walking/cycling to and from schools.