A REPORT into bicycle-related expenditure in local government has rated Swan Hill Rural City as the least bike-friendly council in the state.
Bicycle Network Victoria, an organisation aimed at promoting cycling, gave the council a Bicycle Expenditure Index rating of zero in the annual report, based on an assessment of per capita expenditure.
According to the report, Swan Hill Rural City Council made no direct investments in cycling, while the average expenditure for regional councils was $6.47 per resident.
On the contrary, council said investments had been made in the current financial year, with more planned for next year, under the Bicycle Paths Construction Program which is funded on a 50/50 basis with VicRoads.
“In 2012/13 the work will include continuation of carpark indenting along Murlong Street, to provide space for bike lanes,” engineering services manager Andrew Bruggy said.
“This will increase safety along a major arterial route to schools including Swan Hill Primary, Swan Hill North Primary and St Mary’s Primary.
“Council spent approximately $60,000 on similar projects in 2011/12.
For more on this story see Monday’s edition of The Guardian (November 19, 2012).
