ENTHUSIAST: Bicycle Network’s Eddie Barkla at Charing Cross in Bendigo. Picture: Jodie Donnellan
BENDIGO cyclists have voted with their pedals in a push for more bike paths across the city.
The nation-wide Super Tuesday event saw about 100 cyclists riding through the intersection of High Street and Mitchell Street on their way to work.
Bicycle Network’s Eddie Barkla said the figures were up on previous years.
He said the data would be handed to the City of Greater Bendigo council to highlight where cyclists were riding the most, and where new cycling paths should be developed.
Mr Barkla said Bendigo was a hub for cyclists, with events such as the Madison on this Sunday helping grow the reputation.
“I’ve heard some people refer to it as a cycling Mecca of Australia,” he said. “Per capita we’re among the highest rates for cyclists in the country.”
Cycling to school and work also seemed to be becoming more popular locally, Mr Barkla said.
Bendigo Cycle Concepts staff said they had noticed a spike in the amount of people riding bikes for the daily commute.
A number of bikes had recently been repaired at the store that were hit by cars on Bendigo’s major roads.
Staff member Shane Thompson said there seemed to be a lot of people riding on roads and that there was a need for greater paths and networks.
“The main thing we need is bigger shoulders on roads,” he said. “Cycling lanes are expensive but it would be great if more can be built.”
City of Greater Bendigo council said it would use cyclists’ feedback in its Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy. The council also plans to extend the Bendigo Creek Linear Trail, engineering and public space manager Brett Martini said.– JOSH FAGAN