Torquay’s Fischer Street could have cycle safety improvements if the Surf Coast Shire Council successfully secures funding.
Community consultation helped identify the street as the preferred route for a safe cycling connection between central and north Torquay.
The safe cycling connection is planned to be suitable for bike riders of all abilities and safe road links to Deep Creek and The Esplanade.
Funding opportunities that may become available over the coming months and years will help determine what works are considered for the safety improvements.
Many road treatment options could create the cycling connection, including upgrading intersections to help separate bikes and cars or more extensive work.
Council will engage directly with affected residents before any proposed changes are made to the streetscape as part of this project.
Councillor Kate Gazzard said active transport had many benefits and would encourage people to “hop on a bike”.
“Encouraging cycling as a means of transport makes our people healthier, our roads less congested and our air cleaner,” she said.
“At this stage, there is no time frame for this project as funding is yet to be sought, and it is likely to be staged across multiple years.”
Council has already secured funding for a separate road safety improvement project in the Fischer Street area, which is planned for next year.
Works include raised pedestrian crossings, roundabout upgrades and road resurfacing, which will help support safer cycling in the area in the short term until a long-term solution is funded.
More information about the Fischer Street road safety improvement projects is available at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SafeCyclingTorquay
