Koroit's Kevin Lee wants council candidates to outline their vision for cyclists.
Koroit's Kevin Lee wants council candidates to outline their vision for cyclists.
AVID Koroit cyclist Kevin Lee is backing Bicycle Network Victoria's (BNV) push for candidates in local government elections to present their pro-cycling credentials.
Mr Lee, who cycles every day, said Warrnambool City Council had done a lot for cycling such as the bike lane on Raglan Parade and the shared bike path along Russells Creek but more needed to be done.
He is calling on candidates to support BNV's proposals for a shared bike and walking path along the Warrnambool railway alignment from the central business district to Deakin University and a safe cycling route from Warrnambool College to Hickford Parade so people can ride to Lady Bay safely.
More safe cycling routes for children to get to and from schools were also needed, Mr Lee said.
He is encouraging candidates to log on to BNV's Votebike an online system that allows a candidate in the forthcoming local government elections to present their credentials directly to riders.
Votebike enables candidates to fill in a web form that places their information in front of riders residing in that electoral area. Riders can then review the candidate's statements and contact candidates if they wish.
BNV chief executive officer Harry Barber said candidates were being encouraged to submit their statements on the site as quickly as possible.
"Improved local bike facilities is one of the top issues with voters this year," he said. "The next four years will determine whether local government can push hard on bike riding in order to tackle congestion, meet their health policies and do something practical about climate change," he added.
"We have no party affiliation but we do want our members to know who is going vote for bike riding measures if they become a councillor."
BNV said more than 1.1 million Victorians rode a bike each week and formed a formidable voting block with a strong inclination to back candidates who supported better facilities for riders.
Votebike gives all candidates direct access to BNV's nearly 50,000 members, and to all other bike riders in the state. Candidates' bike policies will be able to be scrutinised and assessed against the priorities promoted by BNV.
ehimmelreich@standard.fairfax.com.au
