At Surf Coast Shire Council’s November meeting an update on Council’s Safer Cycling Strategy showed excellent first year results as part of a five-year plan.
Council adopted the Surf Coast Safer Cycling Strategy Action Plan 2022-2027 in August last year, to help improve cycling safety throughout the region.
The strategy was developed with support of Transport Accident Commission funding focusing on cycling and pedestrian safety, and encourages healthy and connected communities through an integrated cycling network.
At Tuesday’s Council meeting, a first-year report showed 22% of actions within the strategy have been delivered in its first year.
This includes implementation in designing and/or delivering safer infrastructure, speeds, and signs on the highest cyclist risk council roads.
Council resolved for the CEO or relevant officers to continue attracting external funding to assist in delivering Council’s safer cycling objectives.
Council with the support of external funding is working to deliver a range of active transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in 2024-25.
A total value of over $2.4 million dollars has been invested into active transport improvements.
Cr Mike Bodsworth said the first-year report captures Council’s commitment to making sure residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors safely on two wheels.
“As a passionate cyclist this strategy is one close to my heart,” Cr Bodsworth said.
“Projects undertaken so far include an options analysis for the provision of 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.
“We’ve successfully secured and are progressing funding bids to support future cycling infrastructure including the current Fischer Street black spot, and the recently developed funding bid for a Bell Street black spot improvement project.
“There are so many benefits to implementing a safer cycling strategy, not only from an environmental perspective. Everyone deserves to be able to exercise and enjoy the region on two wheels safely.”
