New bike path between Torquay and Geelong

A NEW bike path linking Torquay to Geelong is on the drawing board, promising a safer and more scenic route for cyclists away from the bustling Surf Coast Highway.

The path would likely follow Horseshoe Bend Road and be designed to be off-road to enhance the safety and accessibility for riders of all skill levels.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said there was a need for this safer alternative.

“There are lots of people that commute from Torquay to Geelong already, but it’s quite dangerous and you really have to be a confident cyclist to be going alongside the highway,” Ms Pattison said.

Ms Pattison, who often rides her bike, said a safer route off the busy highway would be really well received.

Both the Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong have received $30,000 funding from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program to conduct an options analysis for the best way to connect the two centres.

This initiative is part of a wider effort to support active transport safety, with $2 million allocated to 40 Victorian municipalities in this grant round.

“We’re aiming for this work to identify one or more preferred options for a future infrastructure project that will benefit the region and provide active transport opportunities,” Cr Pattison said.

The proposed route would not only link Torquay North to the rapidly developing Armstrong Creek and Marshall Station, but it would also intersect with other safe bike routes along Armstrong Creek and rail corridor and along Barwon Heads Road.

If completed, the network will connect thousands of new residents to public transport, schools, community facilities, shopping areas, and the beach, which will be no more than half an hour’s ride away.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan is a keen self-described Sunday cyclist, and said he looked forward to working with the Surf Coast Shire on the project.

“The Surf Coast Highway between Geelong and Torquay is a key community trail for our wider region.”At a time when all governments are trying to promote active transport, have fitter, healthier communities, it’s a really key priority for us and we would like to see it come to fruition.”

The project is part of a broader initiative to support active transport across Victoria.

The Victorian government has allocated more than $2 million in grants through the TAC’s Local Government Grant Program.

The funding aims to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists by addressing specific local road safety concerns across 40 municipalities.