CONNECTING the gaps in Bendigo’s cycling routes is among the priorities raised by residents in relation to the city’s walking and cycling paths, tracks and trails.
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City of Greater Bendigo staffers were stationed at Cooinda Park, along the Bendigo Creek Trail, on Sunday morning from 10am – midday to learn people’s thoughts about walking and cycling in the city.
The session was the first in a series of trail engagements and listening posts arranged to inform a Walking and Cycling Strategy, which the city is developing.
City of Greater Bendigo active and healthy lifestyles manager Lincoln Fitzgerald said residents had been telling the city they wanted to walk and cycle more often.
“As part of the preparation of the new strategy the city is keen to find out what prevents them from walking and cycling more often and what they think will be their needs for the future,” he said.
"We are calling on people who ride or might want to ride but don't currently, walkers and people who use a variety of modes of independent mobility such as wheelchairs, scooters and mobility aids to get involved so that we can make walking and cycling easier, more accessible and inclusive in the future.”
Greater Bendigo is home to more than 700 kilometres of foot paths and 165 kilometres of trails.
Graeme Knight, of Bendigo, and Andrew Excell, of Kangaroo Flat, both identified a need for cycling infrastructure connecting Golden Square to the vicinity of Lake Weeroona.
“If that could be progressed, it would be great,” Mr Knight said.
Mr Excell said there was also a need for more bike paths separate from the road.
In addition to meeting in person, the council has created online options for community feedback.
A number of points have already been identified on an interactive map of Bendigo, which people can add to at http://walkcyclegb.crowdspot.com.au
There is also an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/walkcyclegreaterbendigo
Written submissions are open until August 28 and can be sent via email to r.kretschmer@bendigo.vic.gov.au or sent via post to the City of Greater Bendigo at PO Box 733 Bendigo 3552.
Planned on trail engagements and listening posts
On trail engagements – enjoy a free coffee for your thoughts (limited availability, details subject to change)
- Wolstencroft Park, Spring Gully Trail, 10am-12pm Sunday 12 August
- Lake Neangar, 10am-12pm Sunday 19 August
- Lake Weeroona, 11am-1pm Thursday 16 August
Listening posts (details subject to change)
- NAIDOC Children’s Day, Golden Square Primary School, 11am-1pm Wednesday, July 11
- Bendigo Farmer’s Market, Rosalind Park, 10am-12pm Saturday,July 14
- Eaglehawk IGA, 10am-12pm Saturday, July 21
- Maiden Gully IGA, 3.30-5.30pm Thursday, July 26
- La Trobe University Market Day, Flora Hill campus Student Union 11am-1pm Wednesday, August 1
- Strathfieldsaye IGA, 3.30-6pm Thursday,August 2
- Long Gully IGA, 10am-12pm Saturday August 4
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