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TOTALLY Renewable Phillip Island has renewed calls for new shared pathways on the island to promote cycling and walking.
The group last week released a report on Active Transport which seeks a focus on safe cycling from the council and state and federal governments over the next four years.
Spokesperson Mary Whelan said safer cycling required a significant increase in funding for shared pathways.
“Council has done the policy work; now it’s time to make safe cycling possible on Phillip Island.”
The group last week released a report on Active Transport which seeks a focus on safe cycling from the council and state and federal governments over the next four years.
Spokesperson Mary Whelan said safer cycling required a significant increase in funding for shared pathways.
“Council has done the policy work; now it’s time to make safe cycling possible on Phillip Island.”
After extensive community consultation, the council has already adopted four strategies that can be used to attract funding for active transport and sustainable tourism. There is also VicRoads funding available for bicycle network planning.
Currently there are reserves and trails for recreation cycling on Phillip Island. There are some “shared paths” and experienced cyclists ride on the road shoulder of Phillip Island Road and Back Beach Road.
What’s missing is links between townships across the Island, then around towns, to destinations for everyday needs (as spelt out in the 20-minute neighbourhood concept) and to the major tourist destinations.
The report identifies four priorities:
Currently there are reserves and trails for recreation cycling on Phillip Island. There are some “shared paths” and experienced cyclists ride on the road shoulder of Phillip Island Road and Back Beach Road.
What’s missing is links between townships across the Island, then around towns, to destinations for everyday needs (as spelt out in the 20-minute neighbourhood concept) and to the major tourist destinations.
The report identifies four priorities:
- constructing a shared pathway from Cowes to the Nobbies
- constructing safe cycling routes to schools
- safer cycling works at Settlement Road and repositioning of angled parking and bike lanes in Thompson Ave
- connecting pathways over the island
TRPI's active transport report
“Cycling needs to be safe for people to choose to ride for transport or recreation.”
Victorian Bicycle Strategy
Ms Whelan said the existing cycling infrastructure was inadequate for many people to feel safe enough to dust off their bikes or buy a new one and to start riding.
However, the increased numbers of people cycling during the COVID lockdown showed residents and holiday homeowners had a strong interest in cycling.
“Wayne Foster, who runs a bicycle repair business in Cowes reported a 50 per cent increase in business in the last few months as people stay close to home and look for active recreation or an alternate transport option including electric bikes.”
Ms Whelan visitors were seeking the opportunity to cycle to iconic spots such as the Nobbies, but there was no safe off-road alternative. Cycling could grow the sustainable tourism sector on Phillip Island.
She said every community should aim for safe cycling to schools.
“Cycling has significant benefits for health and wellbeing. The Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018-28 found that active transport is the single most effective way to reduce childhood obesity. Children who bike are also more likely to continue cycling in adult life."
Active transport also reduces carbon emissions, she said.
Download TRPI's Active Transport report.
However, the increased numbers of people cycling during the COVID lockdown showed residents and holiday homeowners had a strong interest in cycling.
“Wayne Foster, who runs a bicycle repair business in Cowes reported a 50 per cent increase in business in the last few months as people stay close to home and look for active recreation or an alternate transport option including electric bikes.”
Ms Whelan visitors were seeking the opportunity to cycle to iconic spots such as the Nobbies, but there was no safe off-road alternative. Cycling could grow the sustainable tourism sector on Phillip Island.
She said every community should aim for safe cycling to schools.
“Cycling has significant benefits for health and wellbeing. The Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018-28 found that active transport is the single most effective way to reduce childhood obesity. Children who bike are also more likely to continue cycling in adult life."
Active transport also reduces carbon emissions, she said.
Download TRPI's Active Transport report.
Existing and proposed pathways, Phillip island Integrated Transport Study, adopted by
Bass Coast Council in 2014
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