Cyclists wanted for Surf Coast riding data trial

THE Surf Coast Shire is calling for more cyclists to join a trial collecting riding data to help improve local roads and cycling infrastructure.

Two hundred local cyclists will be selected to attach smart lights to their bikes while continuing to ride along their regular routes.

With some riders already registered, the council is seeking additional volunteers to broaden the trial’s demographics, particularly people who travel to and from school by bike – including students, families and teachers – and cyclists in Lorne, Aireys Inlet, Winchelsea, Moriac and Deans Marsh.

The data collected will help the shire better understand cyclist’s experiences across different roads and paths, and will be used to prepare funding applications to improve cycling infrastructure.

Councillor Joel Grist said the trial would help the council better understand how people ride across the region.

“Cyclists know the local network better than anyone because they use it everyday,” he said.

“This trial lets riders share information about their journeys so council can better understand where people are riding and what challenges they face on the road.”

The project will provide insight into how and where people ride in the region. The information collected will be complied alongside crash statistics and road audit reports.

By creating safer cycling connections it is hoped active transport in the shire will increase.

Participating cyclists can set privacy zones around areas they prefer no data to be collected, such as their home.

To learn more or register, visit the Surf Coast Shire website.