Quad bikes to collect 900kms of footpath data

Quad bikes will be surveying Ballarat’s footpaths in the coming weeks to collect data on the condition of the City of Ballarat’s footpath network.  

These high-tech quad bikes, operated by contracted officers, are fitted with specialist engineering equipment and high-definition camera systems to collect data pertaining to footpath conditions.  
 
The quad bikes will be collecting data for the next four to six weeks and will travel more than 900kms around Ballarat’s footpath network. The City of Ballarat will use the data collected through this process to assess and manage the city’s footpath assets into the future.  

Some residents have confused these quad bikes with speed enforcement or surveillance units associated with Victoria Police. However, these quad bikes and their operators have been contracted by the City of Ballarat for the purpose of footpath data collection.  
 
Residents are advised not to approach the quad bikes while they are being operated, as this could interfere with data collection.  
 
City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer, Evan King, said the usage of quad bikes to collect data on the condition of Ballarat’s footpath network was in line with goal four of the Council Plan 2021-2025 — to conserve and enhance the city’s natural and built assets.  

“Ballarat’s footpaths are a vital asset, and form part of our plan to seamlessly connect paths and trails across the municipality,” he said.  
 
“Quality footpaths play a crucial role in reducing car emissions, as they encourage community members to walk or use other methods of active transportation.”  
 
As part of the City of Ballarat Budget 2022/2023, the City of Ballarat is investing a total of $800,000 in new footpaths and in improving cycleways.  
 
Footpaths across the City of Ballarat are not all built the same. A breakdown of footpath types includes:  

• 564 kilometres of concrete footpath. 
• 166 kilometres of asphalt footpath (including 3km with bluestone banding). 
• 104 kilometres of gravel/sand footpath. 
• More than four kilometres of paved/block footpath.  

If you would like to report an issue or damage in the City of Ballarat’s footpath network, you can report an issue on the website, call the Customer Service team on 5320 5500 or download the Snap Send Solve app via the App Store or on Google Play.