The "missing links" in Tamworth's active transport infrastructure are set to be filled in with Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) starting work on seven new walking and cycling tracks this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tuesday's infrastructure announcement follows the release of a council plan to turn the city into among the most cyclist-friendly in the country, with one-in-ten trips by cycling or walking.
President of Tamworth's bicycle users group, Greg Johnstone, said the development of the seven new tracks proved the council was "following through" on active transport.
"I think that it's connecting existing pathways and increasing the ability of cyclists and pedestrians to be able to have really usable access routes. I think the council are following through and improving infrastructure and making it far more useable," he said.
READ MORE:
The new paths will connect Locks Lane Car Park to Thibault Street, O'Connell Street to Bridge Street Car Park, Locks Lane Car Park to Gipps Street Car Park and Griffin Avenue to North Street.
The Greg Norman Drive and Warwick Road Shared Path will connect Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre to Darien Avenue, the Calala Lane Shared Path will connect Darrell Road to Campbell Road and the Johnston Street Shared Path will link Smith Street to Dean Street.
Mr Johnstone said city residents were already using some of Tamworth's newest cycling tracks, and local cyclists would be celebrating the major new building campaign.
"I noticed when I drive past Goonoo Goonoo [road], that path along Goonoo Goonoo road near Maccas, that pathway, I've seen a real growth in cyclists and pedestrians along there," he said.
"People want to have somewhere safe to ride and walk and when these safe paths are built, people will come out and use them, that's my belief."
He said that Tamworth needs a "safe middle-distance route" - an off-road loop of about 10 kilometres - to encourage more cycling in the city.
The new shared paths were funded by the state government's walking and cycling program, a three-year-plan to build out most of Tamworth's missing links in the city's cycling network
All seven projects should be completed by late December 2021, weather permitting.
TRC Director of Regional Services, Peter Resch, said the projects would help protect residents by creating wider marked paths and greater separation from traffic.
"Our goal as part of Tamworth's active transport strategy, which is currently on public exhibition, is to create a connected and accessible walking and cycling network which will attract residents of all abilities and ages," he said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News