Bayside mayor Alex del Porto opens new section of Bay Trail. Image credit: Bayside Council.
A new section of Bayside’s Bay Trail, which is now split for cyclists and pedestrians, has opened in Brighton.
The improvement works are part of a Bayside Council project to make the shared path safe and enjoyable for users, and prevent hazards.
Thirteen sites along the 17km Bay Trail, including four hot spots in the Brighton section of the track, have been identified as high-risk.
The Seacombe Grove, Sandown St and Bay St section of the path, which is a popular spot but was prone to congestion, was the first to undergo improvements.
Brighton Bayside Life Activities Club walking group co-convenor Jenni Loutit said the new trail was “fantastic”.
“It’s so much safer now people can enjoy it. It will make a huge difference,” she said.
Bayside mayor Alex del Porto said Bayside welcomed more than 290,000 cyclists each year and, as such, improving safety for all cyclists and pedestrians was a high propriety for the council.
“Giving people a convenient alternative to dealing with traffic congestion is very important for the health of our city,” he said.
“Our wellbeing as individuals and as a community is enhanced by getting outside, putting on a helmet and enjoying the wonderful Bayside outdoors.”
The next Brighton site along the trail to be addressed will be adjacent to Middle Brighton Baths.
The trail at Dendy Street, north of Gould Street, and Kinane Street will also undergo upgrades as part of the project.
Cr del Porto said the council had spent $1.2 million over the past six years to improve sections of the shared foreshore trail.
More than $2.2 million has been allocated in the council’s 2017-18 budget for footpath and bike path improvements.
