The recent report (The Courier, August 15) that the controversial bicycle path proposed through the historic Sturt Street gardens, remains an active project-despite the Premier's intervention in February 2018 - raises many questions.
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How is it that Public Reference Group which met to reconsider other options has come up with nothing better?
Who among cyclists will use this path?
Presumably not commuters, since as a shared pedestrian path speed will be restricted, nor shoppers, being separated from both shopping strips.
This leaves recreational cyclists, who could surely be better served elsewhere?
Regional Roads Victoria's website indicates the original marble seats around the Petersen fountain, opposite Ballarat Base Hospital, are to be removed, preferencing cyclists over hospital visitors for whom these seats offer a pleasant view of the fountain, as opposed to the traffic.
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Pedestrians' interests have been similarly sacrificed, with a central shared path replacing the side paths.
A Victoria Walks Inc. study found pedestrians and cyclists both prefer separated paths over sharing.
This change disadvantages the elderly, the disabled and young mothers with toddlers - at a time when the council is seeking to encourage walking.
Since the proposed bicycle path is to use one of the side paths in the CBD, why not do this between Dawson and Pleasant Streets?
Why is it safe in the CBD but not in the blocks to the west?
In June this year, citizens of Brunswick were offered a choice of five options for a bike path. Surely Ballarat citizens deserve a choice too?
Mary Debrett, Ballarat