Wheelie good space for cyclists and pedestrians

A SHARED path through the heart of the city has been completed.

The path along Grenville Street North aims to enhance safety and accessibility for people walking and cycling.

With $690,000 from the City of Ballarat and the state government contributing $635,000, the works included the shared path, signal upgrades and changes to permit two-way cycling between Davies Street and Grenville Street North on Sheppard Street.

Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said the path helped connect other cycling and pedestrian links across Ballarat.

“What is really great is that this is going to encourage more people to get on their bikes and to take advantage of active transport options, particularly with the rising cost of petrol,” she said.

Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the improvements created clearer, more comfortable spaces for walking and riding through the city’s central precinct.

“They make it easier for people to move between Mair Street and the Bridge Mall, support local businesses and encourage more people to choose active ways of getting around,” she said.

“This section fills an important gap, improving links from the city centre to the Yarrowee River Trail and the Brown Hill Track.”

City of Ballarat team leader David Turley said experienced riders used such paths because an appealing amenity had been created.

“We’ve got shade trees and all those things and it’s a relaxing place to ride as opposed to riding on the road itself,” he said.

He said safety as a priority in the development of such amenities was paramount, and that their target audience was families.

“So when we see family groups using these facilities, that’s real success for us,” he said. “And they’ll come and use it if we can build paths like this that are separated, clearly separated from the traffic.”