Construction will begin in coming weeks on a new off-road bike path along the northern edge of Victoria Park to connect a missing link in the city’s cycling network.
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The 500m section, which will run parallel to Sturt St between Russell and Gillies streets, is the first stage of the contentious multi-million dollar Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections project.
The Victoria Park off-road path will begin in late July and is expected to take up to four weeks to complete.
The state government was forced to backflip on its plans for a bike path down the centre of Sturt Street in the CBD earlier this year after sustained pressure from CBD traders. Discussions are continuing between VicRoads and stakeholders to come up with a suitable plan for cycles further along Sturt St.
The Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections project is part of a joint effort between VicRoads and the City of Ballarat to “join the dots” of Ballarat’s existing cycling network.
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“It’s exciting to see works beginning on a project which will have benefits for the whole Ballarat community,” said state roads minister Luke Donnellan.
“By improving both safety and infrastructure for cyclists, we’re encouraging more people to adopt an active form of transport and lead healthier lifestyles.”