In 2019, Bicycle Network launched its Four Photos campaign. The initiative was simple: we visit a city and take four photos at key locations that should be made more bike-friendly. We then return several years later armed once again with our camera and assess if anything has changed for the better.
It's been three years since we visited the towns of Ballarat and Bendigo, so last week we charged up our camera batteries and paid a visit.
Well, the results are mixed. In Bendigo, one of the key projects is now finished and functional, but nothing has happened with the other three. In Ballarat, it was great to see one key project under construction, but disappointing to see that the city missed the COVID opportunity to establish itself as a place that provides for people to move about in whatever manner they choose. Time to get moving!
Ellis Street (Bendigo)
What's needed
As a key route from La Trobe University and Bendigo South East Secondary College, an upgrade of the painted lane to a fully separated bike lane was badly needed.
What's happened
The separated lane is complete and operational! In the end a bi-directional lane was the compromise, but with treatments through the roundabouts, this lane is an example of why high-class places for people to ride aren’t just for people living in a capital city.
Ironbark Gully Trail (Bendigo)
What's needed
An off-road link to schools, sporting facilities and Eaglehawk and Marong Roads is needed through the reserve to the Long Gully Trail.
What's happened
Despite the trail being a high priority in Bendigo’s Walking and Cycling Strategy, nothing has changed.
Mundy Street (Bendigo)
What's needed
A separated bike lane to convert Mundy Street into a key connection to the Back Creek and Bendigo Creek Trails.
What's happened
The significant construction of the court and government buildings is underway but there’s no sign of any encouragement being provided for people to get to the those places by bike
Bendigo Creek Lowline (Bendigo)
What's needed
The incredibly elaborate ‘drain’ could become a stunning public space including a place to ride that respects the heritage and provides the missing link between the north and south sections of the Bendigo Creek Trail.
What's happened
While the trees have lost their leaves and an Elvis Exhibition has come to the Art Gallery, there’s been no change to the drain.
Sturt Street (Ballarat)
What's needed
A separated bike lane as part of a transformation of the street from a main arterial road to a liveable space where people come to socialise, shop and eat.
What's happened
Work is underway! While the outcome will be a shared walking and bike riding path rather than a separated bike path, it’s a giant step forward in a project that’s taken considerable effort to bring to fruition.
Lydiard Street (Ballarat)
What's needed
A priority entry to the Ballarat railway station for bike riders and a separated bike lane down Lydiard Street to Federation University.
What's happened
No change for people riding bikes who are left to dodge vehicles. The property north of the station was redeveloped over the last two years, but with no bike riding improvements, a golden opportunity was missed to change the precinct.
Grant Street-Yarrowee River Trail intersection (Ballarat)
What's needed
Riders on the Yarrowee River Trail should be able to cross the street without dicing with speeding vehicles and pedal up Grant Street to Federation University protected.
What's happened
Nothing. People on bikes are left to scurry half-way across the road then breathe in and hold their breath as cars and trucks whiz past them.
Lake Wendouree Loop (Ballarat)
What's needed
Instead of a leisurely pedal around the lake, riders in the bike lane need to be on constant alert from doors being flung open. A bike lane next to the curb would solve the problem and create the bike riding equivalent of the Steve Moneghetti Track which provides for people on foot.
What's happened
Nothing. There’s significant work underway on the tourist tram track near the Botanic Gardens, but no change in the status quo for people pedalling
This article was made possible by the support of Bicycle Network's members who enable us to make bike riding better in Australia.