Surf Coast Shire Council has acknowledged the progress made through its Safer Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027, which has delivered a range of projects to improve safety and accessibility for people riding bikes across the shire.
The strategy outlines Council's priorities for improving cycling and identifies projects where Council will work with state and federal government partners to deliver safer cycling infrastructure and encourage more people to choose active transport.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth said the strategy was helping to deliver improvements for people cycling across the Surf Coast.
"It's great to see the Safer Cycling Strategy translating into practical projects that make it safer and easier for people to ride around our community," Cr Bodsworth said.
"Riding is a low cost, fun, healthy and sociable way to get around, particularly for short local trips.
"This strategy is making a real difference to local mobility options, including greater independence for young people."
Over the past three years, key outcomes have included:
- Installing speed treatments and signage on Council roads with the highest risks for cyclists.
- Delivering protected roundabout treatments and off-road cycle lanes on Fischer Street, Torquay.
- Reducing speed limits at Connewarre.
- Installing cycling buffer line marking on South Beach Road, Torquay.
- Installing safer road crossing infrastructure in Anglesea and Bellbrae.
- Investigating options for a Torquay to Geelong cycling link.
- Investigating safer cycling options along Camp Road, Anglesea.
Cr Bodsworth said continued collaboration would be important to achieving lasting improvements.
"There is still more work to be done to build a connected cycling network across the Surf Coast," he said.
"Our focus in the final year will be to continue advocating for investment and working with local communities and agency partners to ensure cycling is considered in future planning, policy and infrastructure projects.
"This strategy has also helped us to secure $9.6 million in external funding supporting the delivery of these projects."
The strategy supports the Council Plan by providing safer active transport travel opportunities and a safe and suitable active transport network for the Surf Coast community.
Read the Surf Coast Shire Safer Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027 at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SaferCycling
