Motorists urged to be patient

Pic of Round the Bay bike rider Daniel Aplin. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 298756_04

Road users across Greater Geelong are being asked to be patient next weekend as Australia’s biggest bike ride takes place.

More than 10,000 cyclists will be participating in Around the Bay on Sunday October 9 with six options starting from 20km to a 300km journey.

Only the 300km and the Classic rides take in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and includes a ferry crossing from Sorrento to Queenscliff.

Bicycle Network, along with the Victoria Police, VicRoads and local councils are asking local road users to be aware of the increase in bike traffic, changed traffic conditions and extended travel times.

They advise local road users to seek an alternate route where possible.

While there will be no road closures in the area for the event, Bicycle Network general manager of events Caitlin Borchers said road users will still need to be patient.

“There will be thousands of bike riders coming through Geelong on their way to the ferry at Queenscliff all Sunday morning,” Ms Borchers said.

“Road users would notice the extra bike riders in the Geelong region and we ask them to be mindful when using the roads.”

Bicycle Network is working with local authorities including councils, VicRoads and Victoria Police to implement a number of changes to traffic conditions to minimise the risks for all road users, Ms Borcher said.

“We’d like to thank locals and visitors for their cooperation and patience during the event,” Ms Borchers said.

“Some of the participants will be very experienced bike riders while others will be saddling up for their first Around the Bay.”

It has been three years since the last United Energy Around the Bay ride.

The ride starts and finishes in Albert Park. More information bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/around-the-bay/