Connecting Geelong’s missing links

CONSTRUCTION will begin on a new bicycle network set to connect the region following the appointment of Enoch Civil Pty Ltd.

During last week’s council meeting, the city awarded the Building Better Bike Connections tender to Enoch Civil ahead of stage one construction in August.

The initial development will take place over the Southern Corridor running from central Geelong to the river along Gheringhap, Carr and Moorabool streets.

The Southern Corridor will form a critical link in Geelong’s cycling network, providing cyclists with enhanced connections between key locations including South Geelong Station, the Barwon River Trail, the Bellarine Rail Trail and the CBD.

Plans for the initial stage were endorsed by council in 2019 following an extensive community consultation period.

Community members previously raised concerns over the proposed car parking and safety.

Parking spaces are set to be removed from Moorabool Street to cater for the design with extra car parks to be added to surrounding streets.

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan, who moved the amendment, said it aimed to create a safer environment for bike riders passing the service station between Fyans Street and Park Crescent.

“Having carefully considered the design options, councillors have voted to move the bi-directional path for this section off the road and onto the footpath,” he said.

“This brings riders into a clearer line of sight for vehicles entering and exiting the service station.

“This option has been endorsed by the president of Bike Safe.

“Importantly, we’ve asked for a review after 12 months to check how the route is performing.”

Council appointed Enoch Civil following an open tender process with an amendment directing the City of Greater Geelong CEO to review the performance of the shared path between Fyans Street and Park Crescent following the first 12 months.

Mayor Stephanie Asher hoped the Building Better Bike Connections project would encourage more people to engage in physical activity by offering improved cycling safety and access.

“If we have more people riding bikes, we will have a healthier community, a healthier environment, and reduced congestion on our roads,” she said.

“This is not a particularly elegant solution, but it is part of the bigger picture as Geelong grows.

“My focus from this point onwards is creating genuine access for residents outside the CBD via the shared trails plan, so they also have sustainable transport options.”

The project follows the competition of the $1.6 million Western Corridor, which connects central Geelong to Herne Hill via Geelong West.

The Southern and Western corridors have been funded by the Victorian government through a $6.3 million investment from TAC and will provide the “missing links” between the region’s existing bicycle network.

Stage two of the Southern Corridor is set to connect the Barwon River to Waurn Ponds via Belmont and Grovedale.