THE Little Vic Bike Ride will roll out of Halls Gap tomorrow with 1500 riders, volunteers, and support staff on board for the 235-kilometre event.

Road users in the Grampians region have been asked to take care on the roads during the event this extended weekend, which will run over four days.

Bicycle Network, along with Victoria Police, VicRoads, and local councils, have asked local road users to be aware of the increase in bike traffic, changed traffic conditions, and extended travel times.

They advise local road users to seek an alternate route where possible.

At times there will be speed reductions, the presence of traffic controllers, and police.

All traffic treatments, including partial and full road closures (see below for more detail*) have taken into consideration the safety of all road users.

Riders will be on roads after leaving campsites in designated towns along the route (from 6.30-8.30am each day) and most will arrive between noon and 5pm that same day at their next campsite.

Bicycle Network events general manager, Caitlin Borchers said road users would notice the extra bike riders in their local areas and has asked them to be mindful when using the roads.

“Bicycle Network is working with local authorities, including councils and Victoria Police, to implement a number of changes to traffic conditions to minimise the risks for all road users,” she said.

“With up to 1500 bike riders, including children taking part in the event, we do ask other road users to plan ahead and allow extra time if they need to travel on the route.

“Some will be very experienced bike riders, while others will be saddling up for their first cycle touring holiday. They will stretch along the road for up to 50km each day.

“We’d like to thank locals and visitors for their cooperation and patience during the event.”

*Road closures

Friday, April 1, 6.40-11.30am, Halls Gap to Mafeking, a single lane closure southbound (C216, Halls Gap to Dunkeld Road).

8am-12.30pm, Victoria Valley Road from Mafeking, a full road closure for 7km (C217).

Sunday, April 3, 6.40-9.40am, Halls Gap to Pomonal Road. Local traffic only.

For more event information visit greatvic.com.au.