To expand cycling in Baw Baw

A feasibility study will be undertaken to assess the potential for improving and expanding cycling infrastructure across Baw Baw Shire.

Council has asked officers to prepare tender documents seeking consultants to undertake the study.

The study also will assess the viability of two key projects including:

Development of cycling infrastructure in the Logan Park precinct in Warragul, taking advantage of the current velodrome and the vacant adjoining land; and,

Creation of an off-road trail from Nilma to Yarragon, in the vein of the existing two-town trail between Drouin and Warragul.

The study will investigate the potential of developing new cycling facilities and opportunities that would meet the needs of local and visiting cyclists as well as improved marketing and promotion of cycling assets and events.

In addition to key project research, the feasibility study will provide strategic justification to support funding opportunities for any future cycling infrastructure projects that gain approval through this process.

Warragul Cycling Club executive members Jayman Prestidge and Karin Jones, called on council to support the development of cycling infrastructure across the shire and take advantage of opportunities to host major cycling events.

Mr Prestidge said Baw Baw boasted a vibrant community of people who cycled and they were from all walks of life.

“Good cycling infrastructure makes it easier for people to start, or re-start riding. Riding a bike on a road can be intimidating. What helps to fix that is good infrastructure for bike riders.

“The benchmark for good infrastructure is whether you would let your children ride to school.

Mr Prestidge said bike trail linkage in the shire was critical.

Ms Jones said she was passionate about giving every child in the community an opportunity to ride a bike.

“It is really important we create a facility to allow them to ride safely. We could be the regional hub of cycling.

Ms Jones said development of cycling infrastructure on vacant land near the velodrome could create great opportunities for major events like cyclocross.

“We have talked to council about a parcel of land next to the velodrome to create that track. Cyclocross is growing around the world and that infrastructure would flow into the velodrome,” Ms Jones said.

Cr Mikaela Power, who requested the report on cycling infrastructure last year, said Baw Baw Shire was a leading destination for cycling enthusiasts.

“With picturesque views, peaceful roads and often challenging tracks, Baw Baw is growing in popularity with cyclists of all ages and abilities.

She said participation in cycling was at an alltime high.”

“With increasing appetite for local cycling opportunities, it’s important we investigate feasible options thoroughly and in consultation with the community, so we can work together to make well-informed decisions about the future of cycling in our shire,” she said.

Cr Danny Goss said he was not usually the “excitable type” but he was excited about the study.

He said cycling was extremely popular in the shire and there was the potential to attract significant cycling events to the area.

“People are after safe places to cycle. The possibilities of this are endless.

“We know that cycling provides a lot of local of economic activity. There are economic benefits in major cycling events such as Tour of Gippsland, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour and the Mt Baw Baw Classic.

“There are benefits when tourists and visitors flow through our towns on their way to scenic trails. Even our local cafes benefit from the many cycling clubs and groups who ride into town to get their morning coffee.”

“This feasibility study provides an exciting opportunity to increase economic activity by increasing cycling options.

“We hope to build on our existing cycling assets such as the velodrome, various trails and BMX tracks in Warragul, Trafalgar and Rawson to deliver even more links for safe and purposeful cycling within our shire,” he said.

Cr Peter Kostos said undertaking the study would enable council to go through the process of identifying what resources already existed and what was needed.

“There has been a strong community push to investigate and develop cycling opportunities in Baw Baw and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to progress matters via a feasibility study.”

“Through this process, we look forward to engaging with the community, cycling groups, business and government to gain feedback towards the key projects,” he said.