Cycling is getting safer in the Surf Coast Shire, according to the first year of results from a five-year safer cycling plan.
The Surf Coast Shire Council adopted the 2022 to 2027 Surf Coast Safer Cycling Strategy Action Plan in August last year to improve cycling safety throughout the region.
The first-year report of the plan showed that 22 per cent of actions within the strategy had been delivered, which included safer infrastructure, speeds and signs on high-risk council roads.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth said he was a “passionate cyclist” and that the council would look to provide a range of active transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in 2024-25.
“Everyone deserves to be able to exercise and enjoy the region on two wheels safely,” he said.
“Projects undertaken so far include an options analysis for providing a safe Central Torquay to North Torquay cycling connect, Horseshoe Bend Road cyclist safety improvements and safe cycling signage on high-risk routes across the shire.
“This includes the installation of improved cyclist safety signs/line marking on existing routes like South Beach Road.”
Cr Bodsworth said there were many benefits to having a safer cycling strategy and that more than $2.4 million has been invested into active transport improvements.
“We’ve successfully secured and are progressing funding bids to support future cycling infrastructure,” he said.
“This includes the current Fischer Street black spot, and the recently developed funding bid for a Bell Street black spot improvement project.”
The Transport Accident Commission helped fund the strategy focusing on cycling and pedestrian safety, encouraging healthy and connected communities through an integrated cycling network.
