Risky road’s speed drop

Bid to improve safety for cyclists

A REDUCED 80km/h speed limit will be introduced on a busy Bellarine road where trucks and cyclists continue to come dangerously close.

It’s been more than a year since VicRoads held a community meeting to discuss safety concerns for Portarlington-Queenscliff Rd.

An 80km/h speed limit has now been introduced between Murradoc Rd and Yarram Creek Lane following community feedback and a comprehensive speed limit review by Regional Roads Victoria (RRV).

Cyclists have long called for the speed limit to be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.

There has been a history of crashes on this busy route, including three people who have lost their lives and six serious injury collisions in the five years to February.

A popular route for cyclists, Portarlington-Queenueenscliff Rd has been en listed as one of f Bike Safe Geelong’s top 10 “hazardous” roads within the e region. Local police ce had also requested ted a review of the speed ed limit limit.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said enough was enough.

“We’ve listened to the community and the advice of experts — that’s why we’ve taken action to improve safety for road users and cyclists on Portarlington- Queenscliff Rd,” she said.

“With a horrific history of crashes and broad community support, changes like this just make sense.”

At a community session last year, there was also support for a lower and consistent speed limit along the road, particularly along the southern section.

About 100 people attended a me meeting in Swan Bay la last June to air their c concerns.

New signage has been rolled out along a 9.5km s stretch of road and th the new limit is now in eff effect. Bike Safe Geelong — which identified Queenscliff Rd as the most hazardous in the region — paid for the installation of cyclist warning signs along the road in 2017.

President Garry Laver saiid he was made aware of the speed change last week.

“I’ve ridden it a couple of times since but it’s only part of the job done,” he said.

“Wider shoulders are still essential.

“I’d like to thank Neville for her support.”

The group posted a video on Facebook last year showing a truck driving at 100km/h coming within inches of a cyclist on the road. Lisa