One of Ballarat's leading public transport advocates believes the Bridge Mall concept designs have not considered how cyclists might use the redeveloped area.
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Under the plans, cyclists would be sharing paths with pedestrians on Grenville Street, with cars heading east in the Bridge Mall, potentially have to ride through shoppers to travel west through the mall, or contend with cars on Little Bridge Street.
Public Transport Users Association Ballarat convener Ben Lever said it was disappointing cycling had not been considered with the 'prominence that it deserves'.
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"We want to make this a place that people can get to by a lot of different ways. It's not all about cars, it's also public transport, walking and cycling. The public transport and the walking aspects seem to be pretty good, but it's just that cycling that has left little bit to be desired," he said.
"On Grenville Street, there's going to be a dedicated footpath and then also a shared use path that would be for both cyclists and pedestrians. In a really high pedestrian environment like this, and particularly where there is that other dedicated footpath available, there should really be separated cycle infrastructure so there's no danger of anyone running into anyone and it's safe and acceptable for all involved.
"On the actual mall itself, it looks as though cyclists will be able to ride along in the same direction as the cars heading east, but there's not really any way for them to get to the west on the mall itself. There's provision there, they're saying that cyclists will be allowed to go amongst the pedestrians on the footpaths, but again, that's going to be very congested with pedestrians and that's not good for either group in that kind of really congested, high-traffic scenario."
While initially not in favour of opening the mall to traffic, Mr Lever said the concept designs did so in the best way possible.
"They've done a really good job in the detailed design in trying to make it so cars can go in, but they're not going to dominate the space. I think they're done a good job with that broadly," he said.
"There's not a huge change from a public transport perspective. There's a little bit of a reorientation of the Little Bridge Street interchange, they're planning to shrink that a little bit and reduce the number of bays, but it seems like the current bus network should still fit into that.
"There's much better pedestrian access to and from those bus stops, so it should be easier for pedestrians to get from the shops to the bus stop and vice versa, so that will help with that integration.
"Broadly, the whole Bridge Mall area in this plan should become much neater, safer and more accessible, and therefore, more enticing for pedestrians to come in."
Bridge Mall Business Association vice-president Shane Donnithorne said the group welcomed the concept plans.
"The BMBA is very positive about the conceptual plans and overall upgrade to precinct, integration/reinvigoration of Bridge Mall and Bakery Hill into the CBD," he said.
"The BMBA is also looking forward to working through any issues of the final design phase with the council officers and architects to assist in a mutually beneficial outcome for traders, the community, relevant stakeholders and the City of Ballarat."
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