Connecting the missing links, one ride at a time
Published on 20 July 2026
For Tasmin, the best part of the workday is the commute. There are no busy roads, no car parking fees and no rushed trips to get the last express train of the morning.
Most mornings, the 30-year-old Frankston North resident rides through the Seaford Wetlands on her way to work in Dandenong, often slowing down to grab a coffee and watch the pelicans gliding across the water before she joins the Peninsula Link Trail.
"It's the highlight of my day and by the time I get to work I already feel happy. It's such a different way to start your day than sitting in traffic,” she said.
A few years ago, Tasmin rarely rode a bike. Today, it's become her main way of getting around.
She rides to work, to the library, around her neighbourhood, to visit friends and as part of her volunteer work with Gardens for Wildlife. It's become such a big part of life for Tasmin and her partner that they sold one of their cars.
"It just wasn't getting used anymore," she said.
"Between the two of us, we were riding so often that having a second car didn't make sense. It's saved us thousands of dollars every year."
For Tasmin, the benefits go well beyond the financial savings. She feels, healthier happier and more connected to her community than ever before.
But as much as she loves riding, she also knows first-hand that there are still gaps in the network.
"There are a few sections where the path just ends, or you have to cross busy roads before picking it up again," she said.
"There are some places I just don’t feel safe riding because the only option is a busy road or there is a missing link, so I will drive or ask someone to pick me up. I can see that this would stop others from riding too.”
Those missing links are exactly what Frankston City Council is asking the Victorian Government to help complete as part of its Frankston City First advocacy campaign ahead of this year's State Election.
Council is seeking a $5.85 million contribution from the Victorian Government towards five priority shared user path projects across the municipality. Council has committed matching funding, creating an $11.7 million investment that would connect key sections of the existing network. The projects will improve safety, accessibility and active transport, making it easier for more people to walk, wheel and ride to school, work, shops, sporting facilities and public transport.
The five priority projects are:
- Robinsons Road, Langwarrin – connecting the Baxter Trail to the Peninsula Link Trail.
- Eel Race Road, Seaford – extending the shared path to Patterson River Secondary College, providing a safer route for more than 1,200 students.
- Baxter-Tooradin Road, Baxter – linking Baxter Park Recreation Reserve with the Peninsula Link Trail.
- Frankston-Dandenong Road, Carrum Downs – connecting homes with recreation facilities, employment areas and community destinations.
- Fletcher Road, Frankston – creating a safer link between Frankston's city centre, Monash University, Chisholm TAFE and Peninsula University Hospital.
Mayor Cr Sue Baker, who is also a keen cyclist, said completing these connections would make active transport a realistic option for many more people.
"Many everyday trips are less than five kilometres, yet too many people still feel they have no choice but to drive because there are gaps in the network,” she said.
"Creating these connections will make it easier and safer for more people to choose to walk or ride for everyday trips, whether that's getting to school, work, the shops or local sporting grounds. It's a practical investment that will improve safety, encourage healthier lifestyles and help families reduce transport costs."
For Tasmin, it's a simple idea.
"My bike has given me so much freedom," she said.
"I save money, I get exercise without even thinking about it, and every day I get to ride through beautiful places and connect with new people,” she said.
"I'd love more people to experience this.”
Ahead of this year's State election, reach out to your Frankston, Carrum and Hastings candidates and ask them to put shared user path connections and Frankston City first. Find out more: Frankston City First - Frankston City Council.