Coker joins calls for safer cycling

THE proposed upgrades to the Point Impossible cycling track now has bipartisan support with Labor candidate for Corangamite and Surf Coast Shire councillor Libby Coker vowing to push for federal funding for the project.
If funded, the $1.5 million project will see the cycling path to the east of Point Impossible Road sealed, the construction of a separated pedestrian and cycling path along Point Impossible Road and the sealing of the eastern end of The Esplanade in Torquay.
“This would provide a sealed, safe cycling link from Blackgate Road right through to the Torquay Esplanade,” Cr Coker said.
She added that she would work with stakeholders including Bike Safe, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee and Surf Coast Shire to implement more safer cycling paths in the region.
BikeSafe president Barton van Laar welcomed the support, but said he hoped to see an ironclad funding commitment.
“Sixty per cent of people say they would cycle if they had a path to use that was separated from the road.
“That’s a huge number of people who want to get into cycling but won’t due to safety issues, not to mention the tourism benefits- this is one of the most beautiful areas to cycle in the world.
“We’re aiming to link up these routes and provide separation, not only to encourage more cyclists, but to eliminate the safety risk for both cyclists and motorists.”
Libby Coker has also called on the Turnbull government to approve funding under the Black Spot program to improve the notorious Horseshoe Bend Road for cyclists.
The Surf Coast Shire applied for $1.2 million in funding under the program in August 2015, but the application has sat dormant since.
“The funding of must be granted now before further deaths or serious injuries occur,” Ms Coker said.
Surf Coast mayor Rose Hodge echoed her calls, saying while council has funded, and continues to fund upgrades to the road, federal support was needed to bring forward the works.