Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 6 July, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Super Tuesday Bike Count reveals increase in cycling in Greater Shepparton

Statistics for the 2020 Super Tuesday Bike Count were taken between 7-9am on 3 March 2020.

The count was undertaken by local volunteers, engaged by the Bicycle Network, at 21 sites across Greater Shepparton. The count records volumes, gender and movement flow of people on bicycles.

Overall, the survey counted a total of 505 movements during the two-hour survey, an increase of 24 per cent compared to the results of the 2019 survey. The size of the increase may be due to poor weather on the counting day in 2019.

Of the riders counted, 78 per cent were male, 19 per cent were female, while 2 per cent were unidentified.

The results indicated an increase in the number of cyclists within the Shepparton CBD and surrounds, with an increase of cyclists surveyed along Welsford St, Fryers St and the Goulburn Valley Highway.

The busiest site was the Yahna Gurti shared path near the Goulburn Valley Highway Bridge and over the Broken River, where 48 riders were recorded. The Goulburn Valley Highway and Sobraon St were also popular, recording 46 riders.

Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to supporting the option of cycling as an alternative mode of transport, by continuing to invest in projects that improve the cycling network. Greater Shepparton’s flat land makes cycling a popular option for commuters and recreational riders.

The Super Tuesday Bike Count provides Council with data that is critical to informing many cycling-related projects included in Council’s Cycling Strategy in the 10-year capital works program.

This can include new on-road bike lanes, shared paths connecting new residential estates with the wider urban area, realising any missing links in the network, bicycle hoops in urban areas to allow users to lock their bicycles safely and even end-of-trip facilities.

As part of this commitment, Council recently signed a contract for the construction of the Route 5 pedestrian bridge over the Broken River at the June Council Meeting, which will construct a new shared pathway link to the Botanic Gardens. This bridge will provide additional cycling and leisure opportunities for Greater Shepparton residents.

“Council is committed to improving the cycling network in Greater Shepparton. It’s great to see an increase in the number of people cycling and utilising our commuter and recreational cycling network in recent months,” Mayor Cr Seema Abdullah said.

“The adopted 2020-21 Budget includes investment for new cycling infrastructure to encourage cycling, including the Route 5 pedestrian bridge to the Botanic Gardens.

“The Super Tuesday Counts are crucial in the development of cycling infrastructure in our region, and the implementation of Council’s Cycling Strategy.”