Crossing the road should be simple and safe – but in many parts of the Yarra Ranges, it can be difficult and unsafe for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Council is advocating to the State Government, ahead of this year's election, for a $4 million investment to deliver new pedestrian crossings at high-risk locations across the Yarra Ranges.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that increased visitation and growth in our towns puts increasing demand on local roads and highlights safety risks.
"Each year, more than 4.5 million people visit our region, mostly on weekends and public holidays," Cr Higgins said.
"In many of our busiest areas, pedestrian and vehicle activity is simply outpacing the crossing infrastructure we have and there are limited or no safe crossing points available. For children, older residents and people with a disability, this can make it impossible to access the community without major safety risks.
"It is unacceptable that in 2026 we still have townships, with major State-Government managed arterial roads running through them, that do not have any signalised pedestrian crossings.
"In Victoria alone, 52 pedestrians lost their lives on the roads in 2025.
"Pedestrian crossings are a simple and effective way to reduce the road toll, and make our region safer for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike."
Members of the community often provide feedback on where safer crossings are needed. Council will continue to assess these locations and advocate to the State Government for the highest priority sites to receive investment.
Council's list of priority locations for new pedestrian crossings include:
Kallista, on Monbulk Road near the roundabout
Lilydale, along Swansea Road at the Olinda Creek Trail
Mooroolbark, on Pembroke Road at the Brushy Creek Trail
Mount Evelyn, on York Road at the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail
Olinda, on Mount Dandenong Road in the township
Sassafras, on Mountain Highway in the township
Seville East, on Warburton Highway near Peters Road and Old Warburton Highway
Wandin North, on Warburton Highway near Alfred Street
Yarra Glen, on Melba Highway near Armstrong Grove
Yarra Junction, on Warburton Highway near Corduroy Road and the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail
Cr Higgins said that working with the State Government was critical to addressing these road safety issues.
"We have a strong working relationship with the State Government, and we've been clear about the need for these crossings," he said.
"Improving crossing infrastructure has both safety and social benefits. It helps people get around their own towns, but also reduces congestion by encouraging people to walk or ride locally.
"I ask all candidates for this year's State Election, and all parties, to commit to making our community safer with new pedestrian crossings."
