Locals to have their say on safe cycling connections

SURF Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say in helping to plan future safe cycling connections between central and north Torquay.

The Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback and investigating two different route options for providing suitable riding access for people of all ages and abilities moving forward.

One of the options is along Fischer Street, while the other is via parkland and nearby low traffic local streets including Taylors Park, Felix Crescent, Riverside Drive, Deep Creek trail and Bright Street.

Surf Coast Shire Council mayor Liz Pattison said with Torquay’s growing population, it has become even more important to make it safer and easier to ride for all residents.

“Safe cycling infrastructure is important to help reduce traffic congestion, encourages healthy, active lifestyles and is better for our environment.

“My family and I all love to jump on our bikes; it’s a great way to get around.

“We want to know what people think about different cycling routes and existing cycling infrastructure between central and north Torquay, as well as how we can make this better.”

The push for safer cycling connections is in part response to five injury crashes occuring along Fischer Street over the last five years involving bike riders.

A number of the accidents also involved school children.

Locals can have their say on the issue via survey at, surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SafeCyclingTorquay

Council is also seeking expressions of interest for people to join a stakeholder panel who will take part in workshops to help them decide on the different options.

Those interested can also apply using the above weblink.

Survey submissions close on July 21.