Have your say on cycling in Greater Shepparton

Greater Shepparton City Council residents are invited to have input in to the ongoing development of cycling in the municipality.

Council Strategic Transport Engineer Kevin Jones said Bicycle Victoria was carrying out the online survey on Council's behalf.

 

"Bicycle Victoria has carried out similar surveys for a number of other councils," Mr Jones said.

"Through its well-developed networks Bicycle Victoria hopes to get at least 1000 responses, which will provide valuable and credible data for us to then use in reviewing our Bicycle Strategy."

Mr Jones said the online survey would take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete and involved answering 35 questions.

Everyone who completes the survey will also be in the running to win prizes from local cycling businesses Don Ash Bike Hub, Leigh Egan Cycles and Malcolm Hill High Street Cycles.

Mr Jones said the survey would help Council identify cycling opportunities and barriers within the municipality.

"It will help us gather information on who is using our current networks, how frequently people ride bikes, their thoughts on existing routes and ones they'd like to see developed as well as finding out more about families' and children's cycling needs," he said.

The information will then be used to review Council's Bicycle Strategy.

"The last review was done back in 2006," Mr Jones said.

"We believe it's important to review the strategy every five years or so to ensure it meets current needs."

Mr Jones said many of Council's Bicycle Strategy recommendations had already been implemented.

"To date we've supported the development of 5.1km of share paths, 11.6km of on-road bike lanes and the 4.8km Dookie Rail Trail," he said.

"Developers of new estates in the municipality also have to ensure that shared bike and walking paths are incorporated in to the estate's design."

The survey can be accessed through council's website at www.greatershepparton.com.au or http://www.bv.com.au/general/bike-futures/92909/

Residents have until May 5 to complete the survey. Winners of the prizes will be notified by May 22.