PETITION

To:
Surf Coast Shire Council
Victorian Department of Transport and Planning

Subject:
Urgent Petition for a Safe Bike Path from Torquay through Horseshoe Bend to Armstrong Creek

 
We, the undersigned, call for immediate action to address serious and preventable safety issues affecting our community.

The route between Torquay and Armstrong Creek—including Horseshoe Bend Road and Blackgate Road intersection—is extremely dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

Two of the most dangerous areas are:

Horseshoe Bend Road – narrow, winding, with poor visibility and fast traffic 
Blackgate Road – a high-risk crossing point with no safe infrastructure for bikes 
There is currently no separated bike lane, forcing riders to share the road with cars and trucks in conditions that leave no margin for error.

 
The danger affects children and families

I am a student at Geelong Lutheran College Armstrong Creek, and I cannot safely ride my bike to school because of how dangerous these roads are. I also cannot ride to my best friend’s house or go out for exercise without putting myself at serious risk while utilising Horseshoe Bend Rd.

This is not just my experience—it affects many kids and families in our community. Children travelling between Torquay, Armstrong Creek, and surrounding areas cannot safely ride bikes:

To school 
To friends’ homes 
For exercise and outdoor activity 
 
The risk is real and increasing

Victoria-wide, over 400 cyclists are hospitalised each year, and road deaths are increasing (TAC Victoria, 2025). 
Rapid population growth in Armstrong Creek and increasing tourism in Torquay are adding more traffic to roads that have not seen corresponding safety infrastructure improvements (Surf Coast Shire, Safer Cycling Strategy, 2024). 
Local crash data already identifies multiple injury crashes on Torquay roads, showing the route is unsafe even before accounting for future traffic increases. 
Without change:

Dangerous roads like Horseshoe Bend Road and Blackgate Road will continue to put lives at risk 
Kids will remain unable to safely ride in their own community 
A serious accident is only a matter of time 
 
Our Concerns

Dangerous conditions at Horseshoe Bend Road and Blackgate Road 
No continuous, safe bike path connecting Torquay and Armstrong Creek 
Children cannot safely ride to school, visit friends, or exercise 
High-speed traffic and poor visibility 
Growing community without safe transport options 
 
We Propose Practical Solutions

We urge the government to consider and implement:

A fully separated bike and pedestrian path along this route 
A bike overpass or underpass at dangerous intersections like Horseshoe Bend Road and Blackgate Road 
Traffic lights to allow safe crossing points 
Bike-friendly roundabouts, similar to those near Torquay Village 
Safer road design around Horseshoe Bend Road to reduce risk 
 
We Demand Immediate Action

Commit to this project as essential safety infrastructure 
Allocate funding and provide a clear timeline 
Work with local schools, families, and cyclists 
 
Conclusion

The current situation is unsafe, unsustainable, and unacceptable. Students like me should be able to ride to school, see friends, and exercise safely without putting our lives at risk—but right now, we can’t.

The solutions exist. What’s needed now is action—before a preventable tragedy occurs.

 
Signatures

Name Bobby.Carroll
Address Torquay
Signature B.C
Date 2026