Roadblock sought amid green fears over Cadel Way proposals - Sydney Morning Herald
Elissa Ashton-Smith, Stephen Wickham (centre) and Ross Harrison are among those opposing plans to widen the road at Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads. Photo: Jason South
BARWON Heads residents fear widening a coast road that some want named after Cadel Evans would destroy fragile sand dunes and threaten wildlife.
But cyclists say the popular stretch leading into town beside Thirteenth Beach is too narrow and potentially fatal for riders.
Tour de France champion Evans lives and rides in the town when not overseas.
Local environmentalist Elissa Ashton-Smith estimated at least two hectares of roadside dunes would be lost if proposed bike lanes were built along the six-kilometre road. Ms Ashton-Smith said some Thirteenth Beach dunes held national conservation significance.
''It means they're quite rare and at threat of becoming extinct because there's so little left.''
Ms Ashton-Smith said locals were alarmed by the prospect of major roadworks. Widening the road would carve into vegetation and dunes that are home to echidnas, reptiles and native birds, she said.
Local cyclists believe a rider could die unless urgent safety upgrades are made.
The region's Bike Safe president, Barton van Laar, said it was the area's most dangerous road for cyclists.
A proposal by Bike Safe recommends changing the road's name to Cadel Way and adding bicycle lanes.
The City of Greater Geelong estimates widening the road by three metres would cost at least $4 million, according to minutes from a Barwon Coast Committee management meeting last month.
The committee, appointed by the state government, supported widening the road in ''lasting recognition'' of Evans's Tour de France win.
It has discussed the proposal with the council and written to MPs in support of it.
The committee's manager of natural resource planning, Warren Chapman, said he backed the plans if "environmental qualities" were protected.
Evans's Australian manager, Jason Bakker, said Evans supported measures that improved cyclist safety and encouraged fitness. He said Evans was aware of the proposal but was yet to consider it thoroughly.
''The whole place is close to his heart. He loves the peninsula, he loves riding around there,'' Mr Bakker said.
Long-term resident and surfer Ross Harrison said lowering the speed limit would appease cyclists and people with environmental concerns. He said the raw beauty of Thirteenth Beach was crucial to the identity of Barwon Heads.
11 Sep, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGfoE1kqSyvzKs_q71LV-l7IVrdGw&url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/roadblock-sought-amid-green-fears-over-cadel-way-proposals-20110911-1k45q.html
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
