The works are funded through the Victorian Government\u2019s Safe Local Streets and Roads program, as part of the Road Safety Program with the Federal Government.<\/p>\n
The changes aim to provide more room for bike riders to travel safely and reduce the risk of collisions, and remind motorists they\u2019re sharing the road with cyclists.<\/p>\n
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On-road symbols and refreshed line-marking will be installed as part of the project.
\n Photo by
\n Rechelle Zammit<\/p>\n
Former Australian professional cyclist and Leading Edge Cycles owner Brett Lancaster said although the changes would encourage people to get out and ride their bikes more, the removal of car parking spaces was a double-edged sword for him as a business owner.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need parks (in the CBD)… a lot of people head out to Benalla Rd (to shop) where parking is free and easy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo there\u2019s a flip side… some people like to come into town and shop.\u201d<\/p>\n
However he said Shepparton was \u201cperfect for commuting\u201d and a great place to ride a bike, due to the flat landscape and lack of rainfall.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think culturally we\u2019re really different in this country about driving places,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people drive … I think the shift needs to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said engineering teams had worked closely with Greater Shepparton City Council to determine the route and design improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project design considered several factors, including the connection to residential areas and how to improve safety for cyclists accessing the CBD of Shepparton,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n