Work underway to restore rail trail

WORK is starting to remove makeshift bike jumps and restore vegetation along the Bellarine Rail Trail following reports by local residents and safety concerns.

The City of Greater Geelong is also investigating new opportunities for young people to enjoy biking riding and jumps in a safer environment.

The council says residents reported makeshift bike jumps and damage to trees along the Bellarine Rail Trail between Kensington Road and Bawtree Road in Leopold, including several trees and branches cut and severed.

“Our assessment of the site has found significant damage to trees and vegetation and determined that the makeshift jumps are unsuitable and unsafe to users,” the city has advised.

“To reduce the risk of injury for the community, jumps will need to be levelled whilst the city continues to look for more opportunities to encourage and support outdoor physical activity for all ages.

“It’s important that our open spaces are safe for all users to enjoy – whether you’re riding your bike, walking your dog or going for a run.

“City officers will also work to restore the natural values to the site following damage to trees and vegetation.

“We know that many young people are involved in bike riding and understand that this may be disappointing to some community members who have created and used these makeshift bike jumps, however, public safety needs to be the city’s top priority.”

The city is encouraging young people to continue embracing outdoor sports and to find safer, fit-for-purpose tracks for their riding.

As part of Greater Geelong’s new 2021-25 Our Community Plan, the council has committed to providing more facilities that foster positive health and wellbeing.

A designated bike discovery area has been proposed in Barwon Heads through the Barwon Heads Village Park Masterplan, which has been adopted by council.