Activity on the Fernleigh Track and other shared pathways in Lake Macquarie has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Pedestrians and cyclists have been turning up in droves with usage data indicating a 50% increase in the past two months.
Smart meters installed near the Whitebridge Fernleigh Track entrance show that in the two months from 21 May to 21 July, an average of 367 pedestrians and 823 cyclists used this section of the iconic 15 kilometre former rail corridor daily on weekends.
Over the next two months, from 21 July to 21 September, that jumped to 569 pedestrians and 1,225 cyclists – an increase of 55% and 49% respectively.
The spectacular first weekend of spring lured a total of 2,563 people to the Whitebridge stretch – the most on any day over the past four months.
Another meter installed on the Tramway Track at Glendale revealed an even bigger increase.
There, weekend daily use by pedestrians jumped 160%, with a 76% increase in cyclists.
“This smart technology backs up what we have been hearing anecdotally and seeing for ourselves,” Manager Asset Management Helen Plummer said.
“Demand for outdoor exercise spaces, particularly along our shared pathways, is at unprecedented levels during the COVID lockdown.”
Council installed the smart meters in October 2020, providing 24/7 usage counts.
With more people using the Fernleigh Track, the council has received an increasing number of requests for maintenance.
Crews have been busy repairing cracks, fixing track fencing and removing debris that fall from the verges on either side of the track.
But despite record numbers using the sites, there has been no increase in the number of complaints about antisocial behaviour or dangerous practices.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser congratulated the community on the result.
“That’s a fantastic reflection on the vast majority of people who do the right thing, abide by the rules and share the track kindly with others,” Cr Fraser said.
“Outdoor recreation and exercise are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing, now more than ever.
“This new usage data shows us we’re on the right track investing further to expand the city’s shared pathway network and promote active transport across Lake Macquarie.”
Work began this month on the final stage of the Speers Point to Glendale shared path, while more than 600 metres of pathway has been laid along the southern section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, which will link the Belmont end of the Fernleigh Track to Blacksmiths.
Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about the region’s shared pathways.
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