New paths a hit with local cyclists

MEMBERS from the Bellarine Belles and the Port Peddlers set out to explore the new path along the Drysdale Bypass last week and were pleasantly surprised with what they discovered.

The new path was included as part of the $117 million bypass. It runs along the six-kilometre stretch of road and has been constructed to VicRoads Bicycle Infrastructure Design standards.

The path 2.5 metres wide and paved throughout, which allowed the Belles and Peddlers to go ahead with their ride despite the wet conditions.

Bellarine Belles founder Vicki Perrett said was great news for local cyclists.

“It’s a lovely new off-road path that cyclists can use to connect from Drysdale around to Portarlington Road,” Ms Perrett said.

“We haven’t got many paved paths at all, most of them are just gravel or clay-based paths.

“We’ve also seen since the pandemic people don’t necessarily want to get on public transport. Cycling helps people reduce emissions and get fitter, and if we can do it in a safe way then we’ll make good use of it.”

Ms Perrett said she hoped this would herald a larger move towards improved options for cyclists.

“I know they (the City of Greater Geelong council) do intend to eventually seal the Bellarine Rail Trail. There have been some studies done looking at the potential for eco-tourism if we could link the Bellarine Rail Trail with the ferry coming into Portarlington and we could get people around the Bellarine on safe roads. There’s certainly been a lot of work done about the Queenscliff-Portarlington Road because that’s a very unsafe one for cyclists.

The Bellarine Belles helps give women the basic skills to enjoy cycling and are happy to welcome new members.

Those interested in joining can head to their Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/bellarinebelles/.