Surf Coast Shire Council welcomes community feedback on a safe cycling connection between central and north Torquay suitable for all bike riders.
Mayor Liz Pattison said safety was a top priority for council after there have been five injury crashes over five years along Fisher Street that involved bike riders, including school children.
“My family and I all love to jump on our bikes as it’s a great way to get around,” she said.
“With Torquay’s growing population, we want to make it safer and easier for people of all ages to ride to school, shops, services, parks, sports facilities, houses and other places.
“Safe cycling infrastructure is important to help reduce traffic congestion, encourages healthy, active lifestyles and is better for our environment.
Mayor Pattison said the council was investigating two safer cycling connection route options, either along Fischer Street or by parkland and nearby low-traffic local streets.
“Council is keen to hear people’s experiences so that we can plan for a safer cycling connection,” she said.
“We want to know what people think about different cycling routes and existing cycling infrastructure between central and north Torquay, as well as how we can make this better.”
Council is also welcoming expressions of interest from people to join a stakeholder panel which will help workshop the different safer cycling options.
The panel will include residents, schools, traders, bike riders and government agencies participating in a workshop from 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday, July 26.
The project is a key action in the Safer Cycling Strategy and Action Plan, forming part of the council’s climate emergency response.
Community feedback can be submitted online at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SafeCyclingTorquay by July 21, and expressions of interest for the stakeholder panel will be accepted by July 14.
