Safety upgrades for CBD walkers, cyclists

THE safety of individuals in the CBD and surrounds engaging in non-motorised transport, principally walking and cycling, has been given a boost with the announcement of two new infrastructure projects.

A $4 million Strategic Cycling Corridor on Mundy Street, linking the Bendigo Creek and Back Creek Trails, is expected to be installed by mid-2025, along with pedestrian-operated traffic lights at Chapel Street (McIvor Highway) and Hargreaves Street, and at the corner of Pall Mall (McIvor Highway) and Mundy Street.

Once completed, the projects will cater to more than 1000 commuters per day, providing direct links to the Bendigo Law Courts, Galkangu GovHub, Bendigo TAFE complex, Bendigo Senior Secondary College and Camp Hill Primary School.

The Department of Transport and Planning and City of Greater Bendigo will engage with the local community on the Strategic Cycling Corridor before designs are finalised.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters stressed the importance of remembering that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“We’re improving safety on the streets around central Bendigo as we work towards a future where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads,” she said.

Meanwhile, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said a more extensive active travel network will improve living standards and encourage more residents in Bendigo to walk and cycle to the city centre.

The projects build on the State Government’s recent $5 million investment in the construction of 2.95 kilometres of shared pathway along the Bendigo Creek bed as part of the Bendigo Low Line Project.