Bicycle Network Victoria: Directory
Geelong City
Geelong 'crit' course now open
24 November 2010. Geelong’s new purpose built cycling criterium, located at Belmont Common, is now open for training and compeition in a car-free environment.
The one-way criterium track has an asphalt finish and is approximately 2.8 kilometres in length and five metres in width.
The course can broken up into three separate loops so that competitions can be held on one or two sections while the remaining section(s) can be left open for public use. This also means Belmont Common can continue to host the popular Sunday market.
Cr Bruce Harwood, who represents Belmont, said participation in cycling is booming.
“Cycling is one of the fastest growing participation sports in Australia. The criterium is certain to get plenty of use by cyclists of all abilities – from those keen for a casual ride to those taking part in race competitions. And it’s been designed so that this can happen simultaneously.”
State Member for South Barwon and part-time cyclist, Michael Crutchfield said the growth of the sport had warranted such a facility and the opening "builds on the Brumby Government’s commitment to elite cycling, with Geelong hosting the 2010 UCI Roads World Championships."
“The Brumby Labor Government contributed $500,000 in funding for Stage 1 of the regional criterium track which will be a major hub for cycling activity and will be known as the Home of Cycling in the region,” Mr Crutchfield said.
“Facilities such as this play an important role in bringing communities closer together and that’s why this criterium circuit is so important.
“Cycling is one of this region’s most popular sports and today’s opening is a terrific win for our community, and one which can only increase cycling’s popularity.”
The City of Greater Geelong provided $1 million to the project and the State Government contributed $500,000.
New path links Torquay-Barwon Heads
17 November 2010. The State Government has announced a new $500,000, two kilometre bike path to directly link Torquay and Barwon Heads at Breamlea.
The project, which includes a four metre wide sealed asphalt bicycle path connects 13th Beach Road and Blackgate Road, eliminating a risky on-road dogleg on an increasing popular bike route.
It also provides additional links to the Bellarine Rail Trail and the Surf Coast Walk and for the future development of the Barwon River Trails and parklands, and the Queenscliff–Barwon Heads Coastal Trail.
It will be completed in March 2012.
State Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield, said $166,720 funding for the project was provided by the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Small Towns Development Fund which helps Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“Further funding of $333,440 from the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Water has been confirmed for the project which will include pavement works, signage and re-engineering of the existing road, Mr Crutchfield said.
“As part of the Greater Geelong Cycle Strategy, we want Geelong to be recognised as one of Australia’s premier cycling cities with an interconnected on and off road bicycle network that provides safe and attractive access to all parts of the region.
“Geelong and surrounding towns like Breamlea are developing improved cycling paths and facilities to enhance this reputation and to attract more cycling tourists to Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast.”
“The Barwon South West Regional Trails Master Plan identifies economic tourism benefits associated with cycling trails including jobs during construction phase, facilities that will encourage visitors to stay longer, trail based events and competitions, and economic benefits for local businesses, Mr Crutchfield said.
Criterium track for Geelong is first stage of bike complex.
17 December 2008. A $1.5M criterium track is to be built in Geelong, the first stage of a cycling complex to eventually include a 250m outdoor velodrome, mountain bike skills area, clubrooms, cafe, and museum.
Construction, with Geelong City Council contributing $1M and the state government the rest, will start in June 2009.
The open road course will have 1km and 1.8km tracks that can be divided into three separate circuits.
It will be located next to the Barwon Valley Activity Centre and link to the existing Barwon River multi-purpose track.
"The circuit will allow us to build on the increased interest in cycling that will inevitably arise after Geelong hosts the 2010 World Road Cycling Championships, and confirm the Geelong region as one of Australia's cycling capitals," Geelong Mayor, Cr John Mitchell said.
Chair of Barwon Regional Bicycle Council, Ted Wilson said: "It's a nursery for youth and a place for current competitors to come and train without having to worry about traffic. There's never been a nursery to direct young cyclists, this is the start of that."
"There is a demand not just for events but safe cycling opportunities," Sport & Recreation Minister, James Merlino said.
“The criterium track will service a wide range of members of the community; including cycling clubs, school cycle education, alternative vehicle testing, wheelchair sports and inline skating.’’
“Cycling is the fourth most popular sport in Australia, with around 1.7 million people participating on a regular basis.''
New intersection in Geelong CBD is a win for bikes
Sep 07 Greater Geelong City Council is planning to remodel the Gheringhap St roundabout at the Malop St intersection. New bike lanes with green paint will see this intersection transformed into a more viable route for riders who previously have avoided this intersection due to speed and lack of clarity amongst road users.
It's good to see the Greater Geelong City Council catering for bikes when doing road upgrades. You can write to show your appreciation to the Mayor and CEO. Remember to keep it positive.
Below is Councils plans showing (in green) the new bike elements of the intersection and surrounds to complement the existing lanes approaching the area.
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VicRoads Workshop
Nov 06 A workshop was recently held in Geelong, including Council staff, local stakeholders and VicRoads. This followed a similar format to sessions held in Ballarat and Traralgon, with all three producing differing results reflecting the varied needs of the regions.
The consensus results were:
- VicRoads received a far clearer perspective on riders' needs and barriers facing those wanting to ride. Ride2School, missing commuter links and maintenance issues were raised.
- The local riding groups that attended uniformly voiced concerns that consultation had historically been lacking.
- Council staff were ready to listen, with the soon-to-be drafted Bicycle Strategy needing stakeholder input to give Council direction.
Bicycle Strategy
July 06. Greater Geelong Council have this year budgeted to review their Bicycle Strategy to help further improve cycling in their municipality. Bicycle Network Victoria looks forward to working with the council on this initiative. Register (above) for updates so when we find out the process is beginning we can let you know automatically.
New bike lane for Ocean Grove
Aug 05. Funding has been allocated by the state government to install a bike lane on Shell Rd in Ocean Grove . The bike lane will run between Grubb Rd and John Dory Drive will complete the bike route linking Ocean Grove to Queenscliff.
Local MP, Lisa Neville, says "this is the only remaining unsealed section of the bike path between Ocean Grove and Queenscliff and will complete the network, providing safer travel for cyclists accessing neighbouring towns and the Ocean Grove shopping complex".
Ms Neville reports that the project "has been watched with interest by many residents. It has become increasingly popular with both the local community and th increasing number of holiday makers and tourists visiting the Bellarine Peninsula."
Proposed path between Fyansford and Batesford
Jun 05. Geelong City Council has adoped an environmental management plan for the Moorabool River reserve at Batesford. This will include providing a walking/cycling track extending from Fyansford to Batesford.
Cycle-friendly council?
Dec 04. In the lead up to the local council election for Greater Geelong in November 2004, Bicycle Network Victoria conducted a survey to find out which projects are vital to getting more people cycling in Geelong.
In Greater Geelong the survey showed particularly strong support for better connections into the town centre and completing links in the path network.
Over half of respondents rated the following projects as ‘vitally important’ or ‘very important’ to cycling:
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connecting the Bellarine Rail Trail to the Barwon River Trail
There was also strong support for connecting the Bay Trail to the Barwon River Trail.
Bicycle Network Victoria invited people from across Victoria to indicate which cycling projects were important to their community. There was immense interest with almost 2000 responses. The response rate was particularly high in Greater Geelong.
Victorians want opportunities to be more active and have a healthier lifestyle. At the same time that are frustrated at rising fuel bills. They expect local government to provide them ways out of this dilemma including the chance to ride their bikes more often” said Bicycle Network Victoria’s Facilities Development Officer, Bart Sbeghen.
Its obvious that cycling will be a key issue on voters minds when they are deciding who will represent them in the next council, said Mr Sbeghen
Bicycle Network Victoria, in cooperation with local groups, will be asking the new council to complete the vital missing links in the cycling network within the current term of the council. This will mean completing design work and community consultation and coordination with the State Government.
Cllrs Bruce Harwood and Tom O'Connor have already expressed support for the projects. The challenge will be to bring the full council's focus onto the projects and their potential contribution to Geelong's continued vitality.
Bellarine Rail trail
Cyclists wanting to ride the Trail from Geelong to Queenscliff can obtain a Trail map from the City of Greater Geelong (tel 5227 0380) or better still purchase the Railtrails of Victoria book from Bicycle Network Victoria (ph 8376 8888) or freecall 1800 639 634. Further information is available from our rail trails page.
Take action
Would you like to see a section of road improved to make cycling safer in your neighbourhood? Then check out our Get it fixed web page for tips on how to take action.