New chicanes make Warby Trail accessible to those with a disability

It’s a whole lot easier to complete the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail if you are living with a disability thanks to Council’s recent improvements.

Council has recently finished works to modify the chicanes at road crossings to improve safety and provide all abilities access to the trail.

Yarra Glen resident James Wood said the chicanes had been lengthened to accommodate the wider turning circle of hand cycles, tandem bikes and other non-standard unpowered vehicles.

“The previous design meant people on hand cycles, tandem bikes, and in some instances child buggies and trailers, have had difficulty getting through the chicane,” Mr Wood said.

“A new gate has also been installed at Hooks Road in Warburton with the upgraded chicane design which means I will be able to ride from Warburton through to Wandin without having to get off my hand cycle.”

Yarra Glen resident James Wood at Healesville Kooweerup Road in Woori Yallock

Previously, Mr Wood who is a member of Council’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), had to be physically lifted around the chicanes by his sons or a companion.

“It means a lot for me to be able to ride on my own,” Mr Wood said.

“Independence is a huge thing for me and to know now that I can ride this part of the trail by myself is fantastic.

“I was impressed with how quickly the Council identified a solution and put it in place.”

Upgrades have taken place at Sunnyside road in Seville East, Haggards Lane in Woori Yallock and Healesville Kooweerup Road in Woori Yallock.

Works to upgrade other crossings across Yarra Ranges, including at Launching Place, are planned for the next financial year. The new Yarra Valley Trail will include the new and improved chicanes.

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail was first constructed by a volunteer based committee of management, which later became the Friends of the Rail Trail, who have remained a key advocate for the trail and its maintenance. The chicanes were initially designed to stop vehicles entering the trail and to slow riders down ahead of roads.

The improvements align with Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy (PDF, 6MB), by supporting and building healthier communities by creating liveable townships, advocating for resources and showing leadership on behalf of communities to support people to enjoy the best possible health.

A priority of the strategy is to have connected and healthy communities in Yarra Ranges.