Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted a five-year plan to help improve cycling safety throughout the region, while encouraging healthy and connected communities through an integrated cycling network.
At its August meeting, Council approved the Surf Coast Safer Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027, which aims to make it safer and easier to move around our towns and natural environment, while reducing car dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.
Surf Coast Shire Councillor Mike Bodsworth welcomed the strategy, saying it would provide real options to use high priority cycling corridors, while making it safer and more attractive for residents and visitors alike to choose pedal power over their cars.
“Council is deeply committed to creating a more environmentally sustainable future and we are doing everything we can to help reduce car reliance, while encouraging people to safely get on their bikes,” Cr Bodsworth said.
“This strategy paves the way for a more cycle friendly region that not only reduces transport costs, gets us fit and helps connect us but also showcases our cycle ways to visitors keen to appreciate our cleaner, greener lifestyle.”
The strategy, prepared in consultation with the community, external stakeholders and Council’s partners over the past 12 months aims to address the ongoing and emerging cycling safety issues for the shire over the next five years.
It seeks to improve planning for cycling in new developments to ensure safe and appropriate infrastructure is delivered, which connects to an overall cycling network.
Funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the strategy aligns with and enhances state and federal priorities using the TAC’s Safe System approach, including an action plan shaped by broad consultation.
“This is a plan that has the potential to help break out of old patterns and mindsets and get us pushing towards a more sustainable future,” Cr Bodsworth said.
“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless when it comes to the environmental concerns we have but something as simple as jumping on a bike can be an effective way to take climate action.
“I look forward to seeing more residents and visitors safely using their two-wheelers and enjoying this incredible part of the world thanks to this strategy.”
