A proposal to duplicate a section of the Bay Trail through Brighton has been endorsed and will be further developed as funding for the project is identified.
Bayside City has in recent years duplicated sections of the trail to separate riders from pedestrians.
The Bay Trail through the suburb has become very popular at peak periods, challenging the capacity of the somewhat narrow facility.
The council has had success with realigning and widening the paths at squeezepoints and now plans to tackle a 735-metre narrow stretch of trail between Middle Brighton Baths and Green Point, where the path is confined between The Esplanade on one side and vegetation on the other.
It is entertaining a duplication which would leave bike riders on the current trail and create a parallel boardwalk structure for pedestrians.
The council says counts in December 2025 at a point on the trail to the north of Dendy Pavilion revealed that there were 35,393 pedestrians and cyclists using the path in that month.
The split was 19,480 pedestrians and 15,913 cyclists, showing both modes as well represented, and highlighting the popularity of the route.
The council decided at its February meeting to endorse the concept, begin project communications, and explore seeking additional funding from state and federal governments.
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