Feedback sought on city cycling routes

THE community has been invited to have their say on plans for two new major cycling routes to connect central Geelong with the city’s southern and western suburbs.

The $4.7 million TAC-funded Building Better Bike Connections project has two parts:

• The southern link, which will connect central Geelong to Waurn Ponds via Belmont, using Gheringhap Street, Carr Street, Moorabool Street, High Street and Colac Road, and
• The western link, which will connect central Geelong and Herne Hill via Geelong West, using Villamanta Street, Pizer Street, Bigmore Street, Gertrude Street and Sydenham Avenue.

The cycling routes will include a combination of protected bike lanes (where bikes are separated from cars) and a shared road system (where cars and bikes share the road). Streetscape/beautification works, traffic management/cycling treatments, signage and other changes will be made to roads as part of the project.

The routes were set following consultation with local and state bicycle user groups.

Letters providing more information on the project are being sent to businesses and residents on the routes this week.

There will also be a series of drop-in sessions about the routes (all held from 3-6pm):

• January 23 at Geelong West Library
• January 24 at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
• February 13 at Belmont Library.

A separate workshop has been organised for businesses on High Street, Belmont – the design for this section of the route will not be confirmed until consultation with traders and the community is completed.

Once plans are finalised, works are expected to start in the second quarter of this year.

“With more people living and working in Geelong we need to provide alternative transport options to ease congestion for everyone,” City of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“Better bike connections are vital to make it safer and easier for people to ride.”

“It’s important we hear from everyone in the community – cyclists, drivers, businesses, residents, Central Geelong workers – to get your feedback on the details of the plans.”

The community can now view the plans for each section online and provide feedback on the details by February 16 at geelongaustralia.com.au/BetterBikeConnections.