BETTER bike lanes and connecting paths could loom as a central issue in coming local council elections, with candidates being urged to peddle their cycling policies online.
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A new website, Votebike, has been launched by the Bicycle Network Victoria to allow candidates in coming local government elections to present their credentials directly to riders.
Cycling issues central to the City of Greater Bendigo elections include the bike path link between La Trobe University and central Bendigo, and the continuation of the Spring Gully Creek shared path along the creek and Halvin Street.
Bicycle Network Victoria chief executive Harry Barber said the website was set up to give voters an idea of candidates’ personal bike riding policies if they became a councillor.
“Improved local bike facilities is one of the top issues with voters this year,” he said.
Mr Barber said candidates were being encouraged to submit their statements on the site as quickly as possible.
Bendigo cyclist Colin Campbell said councillors in Bendigo had been responsive to bike riders’ concerns.
“There have been local bike strategies and they’re always being reviewed,” he said.
“There’s always going to be issues with competing traffic concerns and other issues.”
Mr Campbell said he hoped local candidates could be proactive about their views on improving cycling infrastructure.??