Upgrades in line for Torquay corridor

THE Surf Coast Shire will explore financial opportunities to help provide safer cycling improvements on a busy residential Torquay street.

Council is seeking funding to make Fischer Street one of the region’s future safe cycling connections between north and central Torquay following a community consultation survey.

Surf Coast Councillor Kate Gazzard said new cycling improvements on Fischer Street, along with active transport practices more broadly, have a wide range of benefits.

“This is about making it not only safer, but also easier for people to hop on a bike and ride to the shops, cafes, schools and other places,” Cr Gazzard said.

“Encouraging cycling as a means of transport makes our people healthier, our roads less congested and our air cleaner.

“At this stage, there is no timeframe for this project as funding is yet to be sought, and it is likely to be staged across multiple years.”

Council’s community survey on creating a safe cycling connection asked 212 people and a panel workshop of 35 people, which included residents, cyclists, school representatives, a bus company and Victoria Police.

The planned safe cycling connection will be suitable for bike riders of all abilities with safe road links between Deep Creek and The Esplanade.

Council says future funding opportunities will help determine precise details such as road treatment, upgrading intersections, installing separated bike lanes and impact on car parking over the coming months.

Council stated it will engage with directly affected residents prior to any proposed changes made to the streetscape as part of this project.

The Shire has already secured previous funding for road safety improvements which will take place in mid to late 2024.

Works include raised pedestrian crossings, roundabout upgrades and road resurfacing, which will support safer cycling upgrades on the Fischer Street corridor.

More info at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SafeCyclingTorquay