Residents can now have their say on a proposal to add to City of Newcastle’s (CN) cycling network in Islington.
Council is planning to enhance the grid along Chinchen and Hubbard streets, allowing the 665m stretch to connect with infrastructure on the Scholey Street rail bridge and Islington Park on Maitland Road.
Submissions for the project – to be delivered by CN utilising $950,000 from the NSW Government, through Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program – are open until 5pm on Thursday 25 July.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the investment was yet another election commitment… to make Islington a safe place for cyclists.
“This is a high traffic area, with many students from Islington Public School and Newcastle TAFE riding far too close to cars and trucks,” he explained.
“The cycleway will not only protect them getting to and from school but also encourage more to get on their bikes or go for a walk.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes agreed.
“The cycleway will enhance the continuity of safe cycling connections along a key regional route, improving safety and accessibility for students travelling to Islington Public School and Tighes Hill TAFE,” she said.
“We’ve already spoken to local parents and pupils who walk, cycle, scoot and skate their way to and from school and are strong advocates for active transport.
“We also want to hear from residents, TAFE students, commuters and anyone who has an interest in cycling to learn how they’re using existing cycleways through Islington.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen admitted CN was committed to encouraging the uptake of active transport.
“The best outcomes are generated when we work closely with the community,” he said.
“And, by prioritising investment in cycleways, we hope to see cycling playing a larger role in Newcastle’s transport mix.
“Projects such as this enhance the continuity of safe and direct cycling connections for users of varying confidence and ability.”
The Islington project will form an important link in City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan, which proposes the creation of connections from the western suburbs of Minmi and Wallsend all the way through to the inner city.
The new cycleway is expected to complement council’s $800,000 upgrade of the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets completed last year, featuring new traffic signals for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.
To view the preliminary concept designs and complete the online survey, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
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