THE MORE RIDERS THE BETTER IT WILL BE
One of the key points is that the number of cyclists in Ballarat is low, both relatively and absolutely. This applies in particular to 'transport' (rather than recreational) cyclists. Key recommendations include establishing continuous, major, off-road routes, generally in a radial pattern, to provide improved access to the Ballarat CBD for commuter cyclists. This recommendation incorporates using existing routes such as the trail along Scott Pde. Naturally, providing this type of infrastructure is costly - and the Plan makes that point, in conjunction with two key points as justification for significant expenditure: That for urban Ballarat to function effectively, we must come to terms with viewing cycling as a key component of the transport task; and That there must be more emphasis on public transport (the Plan literally links cycling and public transport through the recommendation that buses be provided with bicycle storage racks) as the city expands. This is all good stuff, but one knows instinctively that the sort of dollars the Plan is looking for are not going to be easy to find, especially when cyclist numbers are so low.
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There is another, complementary way forward - and that is to change attitudes. As someone who for one reason or another rides into the CBD nearly every day (using my bike in the category of 'transport'), I'd like to make the following observations as a way of encouraging people to cycle - without costing the city and us ratepayers a cent.
1. Drivers of motor vehicles in Ballarat are surprisingly courteous towards cyclists, the vast majority treating them as genuine and legitimate users of the road space;
2. If cyclists obey the road rules and behave in a consistent manner, they will be treated well by other road users. I've found that vehicle drivers overwhelmingly acknowledge and obey the hand signals that I (am required to) give in the course of my journeying;
3. Riding defensively is a mandatory attitude. Cyclists need to be constantly aware of other road users, including pedestrians. This is chiefly because people are not used to bicycles being on the city's roads. Expect a pedestrian to walk onto the road without seeing (or hearing) you. Anticipate that, upon entering a roundabout, cars on your left might keep coming (my experience has been that this is not malicious but that the cyclist is simply not 'seen').
If there were more cyclists on the city's roads, this issue would diminish markedly. Apart from which, it is so much more enjoyable riding a bike than being stuck in a car and hunting for that elusive parking space. Once you get used to riding the bike, the car is a pain.
Hedley Thomson, Canadian
Much maligned mall
One hundred and twenty years ago, enlightened folks discovered the automobile to be a convenience, not just a passing novelty. It takes us to and from the Bridge Mall to spend money; only needing good access and good parking.
The hapless mall copped a blow with the massive narrowing of Curtis Street, and curtailing of the big, roomy, easy to use carpark that was a pleasurable feature of our bustling CBD. Buses lined up and even parked there. When cars and trams drove through Bridge Street, it was vibrant and thriving. Shops were tightly held. Cars and people are still similar. It is the geography that has changed. Almost overnight when Curtis Street was narrowed, the transformation commenced.
Another "non-redeeming" factor in play is the kerb protrusions on streets feeding the area, or should l say, starving it. These issues are not the current council's fault but a legacy they inherited. It is probably too expensive to retrofit rooftop parking to Big W. The mall has copped a lot of blows over a long time, starting with the compulsory removal of the historic ornate posted verandahs, leaving shoppers exposed to the weather before cantilevers were mostly fitted later.
