Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has offered Tamworth Regional Council $750,000 towards construction of the cycleway along Manilla Rd, Johnson St and Tribe St.

But a number of residents have expressed concerns that bike riders could skittle elderly residents of the Alblas Lodge and St Andrew’s Village aged-care facilities.

A Johnson St resident, who did not wish to be named, has joined recently published letter writers David Mead and Rex McGee in airing her apprehension over the project.

She said cyclists and skateboarders using the shared path would endanger the “vulnerable, aged and infirm residents ... on their walking frames and walking sticks”.

In November last year, Tamworth’s councillors approved a new regional bike plan that included the linking of Oxley Vale with Marius St as a priority.

The RMS has made available $750,000 for the 1.6km project, with Tamworth Regional Council to contribute $250,000.

Councillor Mark Rodda, who recently met with residents to discuss the proposal, said he was confident any safety concerns over the cycleway could be addressed.

He said the RMS’s offer was “too good to refuse” and a number of measures would be put in place to ensure the safety of the path’s users.

“I’m sure there would be a number of ratepayers appalled if council turned around and said to the RMS ‘Here’s the cheque back’,” he said.

“There will be signage, widening of the footpath and the removal of trees causing blind spots and vision issues.

“I would be confident they will do everything to make it as safe as it possibly can be.”

The council’s director of regional services, Peter Resch, said the cycleway would “provide a safe link from Oxley Vale into the CBD”.

“Council is aware of these concerns and will be including mitigation works adjacent to Alblas Lodge, with a view to ensure appropriate sight distances,” he said.