The 'Connect Hastings' program was unveiled at Hastings library last week.

Hastings, West Park and St Mary's primary schools, and Western Port Secondary College have been working with Mornington Peninsula Shire staff to develop safe routes to and from schools.

It is hoped the travel plan will reduce reliance on cars, as well as encourage healthy exercise for children and parents.

Not surprisingly, research indicates Hastings parents would be more likely to encourage their children to walk or cycle to school if the children were protected from road traffic and were able to ride or walk with friends.

Stage two of the project includes a range of works totalling about $500,000 and beginning in May.

They include a pedestrian path at Hodgins Road, a pedestrian refuge at the intersection of Hodgins Road and Michelle Drive, new paths and landscaping at several areas in Hastings and landscaping at schools. The works are jointly financed by the State Government and the shire and are expected to be completed by

mid-next year. The proposed routes and changes to paths and roads will be on display at the library until today and will then be able to be viewed at the Hasting Community Hub.