Geelong road users urged to be aware of annual ride

THE nation’s largest bike ride will sweep around Port Phillip Bay early next month and road users are being urged to plan ahead due to changed traffic conditions across Greater Geelong.

The United Energy Around the Bay ride is expected to welcome 10,000 bike riders to both Melbourne and Geelong on October 8.

Bicycle Network, the event’s organising body, has consulted Victoria Police, VicRoads and local councils to ask residents to be aware of the increase in bike traffic and extended travel times.

There will be a closed lane on the Princes Freeway to Geelong from 6.30-10.45am providing a major boost for rider safety, but the change will also restrict freeway movement.

Freeway speeds will be limited during the event.

There will also be a full closure of Western Foreshore Road along Geelong Waterfront from 5-11.15am. All road users are urged to avoid the waterfront area on event day until noon.

Bike riders will also be out in force on the Bellarine Highway from as early as 5.30am. Road users are urged to take care on the Bellarine Highway until noon on October 8.

Bicycle Network chief executive officer Alison McCormack said road users would notice the extra bike riders in their local areas, and asked them to be mindful when using the roads.

“Bicycle Network is working with local authorities including councils, VicRoads and Victoria Police to implement a number of changes to traffic conditions to minimise the risks for all road users,” Ms McCormack said.

“With 10,000 bike riders, 100km ride options, including many children on the Family Ride, 50km and we do ask other road users to plan ahead and allow extra time if they need to travel on the route.

We’d like to thank locals and visitors for their patience.

“Some of the participants will be very experienced bike riders while others will be saddling up for their first Around the Bay.”

For more event information and the full list of road closures around Port Phillip Bay, head to aroundthebay.com.au