The provision of safe offroad riding is a key aspect of transitioning Ballarat towards a more sustainable future.
Which is why draft plans have been developed for a 3.4 km long bike path along Glenelg Highway, Sebastopol.
Consultation is now open for residents to have their say where rest stops, seating and crossings along the route should be located.
The first stage of construction will allow people to walk and ride on a one km shared path from Midland Highway to Phoenix College on the southern side of the highway.
Future stages will ultimately connect the Yarrowee River to Delacombe Town Centre via safe, separated bike paths along Glenelg Highway.
The construction of Stage 1, from Midland Highway to Phoenix College is funded through the Spotlight on Sebastopol project.
The Glenelg Highway Bike Path was a project selected by the Spotlight on Sebastopol Community Reference Group.
Spotlight on Sebastopol is a larger program whose goal is to improve the livability of the suburb, funded by an investment from the Victorian Government.
The aim of this project is to:
- Facilitate active transport for commuters and students with safe, raised crossings for Phoenix College.
- Create a safe, comfortable riding and walking path for recreation with links to the Yarrowee River Trail.
- Increase pedestrian and cyclist safety through a dedicated path and raised crossings at intersections.
- Preservation of existing healthy trees through pruning and mulching.
- Increasing provision of greening and natural shade through tree planting.
Existing trees that are healthy will be retained and new opportunities for additional tree planting will be identified. Rest points are proposed along the path with seating, bins and cycling infrastructure like hoops and bike repair stations.
City of Ballarat Councillor, Cr Tracy Hargreaves said these paths are a step in the right direction to transition Ballarat to a more sustainable future as well as improving the health of our residents.
“While many people already choose to ride a bike, either to commute to work, for sport or for pleasure, there is significant room for improvement. Making Ballarat a more attractive and enjoyable place for active transport is about planning carefully to improve the city’s shared path infrastructure,” she said.
“Us Councillors have a role to play in improving the health of the community by enabling and encouraging people to take up cycling and to be more physically active.”
Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing said this project will further enhance Sebastopol’s liveability and benefit locals and visitors by keeping people connected and active – this investment will make a really positive difference.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said whether you’re walking or riding through Ballarat, these transformed spaces will enable both residents and visitors to spend more time outdoors and explore everything our city has to offer.
