By Luke Voogt
Environmental and cyclist groups have slammed council plans to modify the controversial Green Spine as “irresponsible” after cancelling a rally protesting the recent decision.
Organisers cancelled the rally, initially planned for today, amid coronavirus concerns after council last month voted to remove a bike lane from the linear garden project.
On February 24 Council voted 6-5 to spend $2 million to remove the bike lane on the north side of the Green Spine.
The decision came after state government and council together spent $8 million to complete stage one of the project in 2018.
State-appointed administrators approved the Malop St project in 2017 after replacing Geelong’s sacked council in 2016.
In response to council’s recent decision Bellarine Labor MP Lisa Neville moved to freeze state government funding for similar central Geelong projects.
Geelong Bicycle Users Group’s Simon Howe this week slammed the move to “rip up” the bike lane as a “backward step”.
“The resulting increase in traffic will lead to more pollution and impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety,” he said.
“This is a backwards step and will also significantly risk future state government funding for similar people-centred projects.
“This decision … in favour of cars, was made without community consultation and disregards the interests and wishes of the broader community.”
But Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher refused to back down saying council based the decision “on community feedback over a long period of time.”
“The council did what we believed was in the best interests of the community, and we stand by the decision,” she said.
“It’s about seeking a design that works for all users – including cyclists, pedestrians, people with limited mobility and drivers.”
Council would examine options to keep Malop St “cycle-friendly” including a potential bi-directional bike lane on the south side to replace the removed lane, Cr Asher said.
The Green Spine has drawn anger from Independent readers since the completion of stage one between Yarra and Moorabool streets.
Hundreds have taken to social media to slam congestion and traffic delays they say resulted from the project, as well as the lack of cyclists using it.
Extinction Rebellion and Climate Justice Alliance Geelong had planned to join several local bicycle users groups in today’s rally prior to its cancellation.
Geelong Labor MP Christine Couzens had initially been scheduled to appear as guest speaker at the rally.
