Geelong likely to receive funding for cycling

A cycling hub is expected to be approved at the 2010 Road World Championships site by the City of Greater Geelong, in Victoria Australia, according to the Geelong Advertiser. A AUS$4 million complex, including a $2 million velodrome, was initially pitched to the council but is expected to be declined.

Instead, the council is expected to approve a $180,000 upgrade to Geelong's existing bike racing track at West Oval, according to the report due before the council today.

"Geelong has a long and distinguished history in cycling," the report stated. "Some of the first bicycles in the world were developed in Geelong.

"In the 1970s and 1980s the Geelong bike plan was the first Australian initiative aimed at improving cycling conditions in a major established city," it continued. "This has resulted in a sound base level of infrastructure and the development of a number of strong and active bicycle groups and clubs within the municipality."

A feasibility study indicated that Geelong, using the 2010 World Championships as a catalyst to showcase the city as wheel-friendly destination, should establish a cycle hub and begin working towards a $2.9 million centre at Belmont Common to include:

A criterium circuit and bicycle education training area at Belmont Island;
A mountain bike trail around the Mackay Fields area;
Possible club facilities at Barwon Valley Activity Centre; and
BMX catered for in the cycling precinct at the existing BMX track behind South Barwon Reserve.