City backpedals on Belmont bike lanes

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build bike lanes along Belmont’s shopping strip is in limbo after Geelong council further delayed the project.

City of Greater Geelong councillors were due to vote on a construction tender at this Tuesday’s meeting for new cycling lanes along High Street, three years after voting in favour of the idea.

But an alternate motion instead deferred a vote until this month’s meeting.

City chief executive officer Martin Cutter said in a statement late on Friday that the contract decision had been dropped indefinitely, with the city to further engage with stakeholders before it was ready to make a decision.

“Following new design advice from other authorities, the city has determined that it is not appropriate to propose awarding the contract for stage two of the southern link at this time, as further discussions with key partners are required before the report is brought before council.

“As such, the item has not been listed on the agenda for the August 23 council meeting.

“The city remains committed to encouraging sustainable transport options and providing safe, connected, and accessible cycling routes.”

In the days following July’s deferral, Mr Cutter told a Geelong development forum that investment in active transport was vital for coming phases in the city’s growth.

The deferred project was part of a second stage of the city’s Building Better Bike Connections plan, which would add to recently built lanes at Moorabool and Gheringhap streets.

The proposal had sparked debate both among councillors and the public during question time at that meeting; advocates said improved cycling routes would have health and environmental benefits, while opponents worried about safety and impacts on traffic at High Street that could hurt local businesses.

City officers had recommended awarding a $2.67 million contract last month, as contractors Encoh Civil indicated its tendered price would lapse on July 28.

It means the deferral will likely come at a cost to the city. It has $2.3 million in TAC funding for the project but is funding a shortfall itself.