By Luke Voogt
Geelong council failed to consult businesses before designing plans to cut car parks and traffic lanes for a bicycle network, according to a Belmont trader.
Former Belmont Business Association president Vincent Albanese slammed the lack of consultation as “unconscionable“.
“It makes you feel like once again you’re getting walked on,” he said.
The council plans proposed cutting one lane of traffic in each direction and removing car parks in sections of High Street, Belmont.
The plans also proposed cutting lanes and removing car parks in other parts of Geelong.
Mr Albanese warned the planned bike network would harm local businesses.
“You could imagine that – to have no traffic coming in from outside your front door,” he said.
The plans catered to a handful of cyclists who only used High Street “at 10am onwards on Saturday”, Mr Albanese said.
The overwhelming majority of road users were motorists, he said.
“I think it’s typical and out of touch.
“I’ve been here from 8am to 7.30pm onwards for the last 18 years. I know how many bloody bike riders are using this road and it ain’t bloody any.”
The plans would disadvantage elderly shoppers, many of who relied on cars to get around, Mr Albanese said.
“There’s a hell a lot of retired people – you’re almost better off making a buggy cart (lane) here.” City Hall set the routes following consultation with local and state bicycle user groups, a council statement said.
“Do you listen to the bike riders who aren’t given you any money at all or do you listen to the people whose rates you’re screwing with?” Mr Albanese said.
Ten years ago council charged Belmont traders a special levy to build a car park for 70 cars near High Street, Mr Albanese said.
“That new one has only been open for a few years. You can’t charge us for extra parking and then take it away.”
The levy funded a car park “smack bang across the road” from High Street, where Mr Albanese estimated council could remove up to “80 car parks“.
He demanded Council refund the special levy.
“Mum and dad businesses paid $400,000 for that car park,” he said. Council called for consultation and advertised community meetings last week after announcing the plans in December.
But Mr Albanese was sceptical City Hall would change the planned routes.
“I just feel that it is set in stone,” he said. “A few people will turn up and it will just get through.” Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said better bike connections were vital.
“With more people living and working in Geelong we need to provide alternative transport options to ease congestion for everyone,” he said.
The RACV’s Dave Jones said the cycling corridors could alleviate traffic congestion and support a more liveable city.
“Geelong will experience significant growth over the coming decades and the promotion of cycling has the potential to lead to positive health and well-being outcomes.”
Council did not consult the RACV before designing and releasing the plans, a spokesperson for the motoring body confirmed.
