Tim Crakanthorp made a pre-election commitment to deliver the $950,000 Islington Cycleway project to the community.
And, the Newcastle MP has done just that following the completion of the venture this month.
The local suburb now boasts a two-way cycleway along the north side of Chinchen Street between Linden Street and the east side of Styx Creek bridge; new connections into the existing shared path at the Clyde Street traffic signals; and a raised priority crossing on Hubbard Street, which runs across John Hooker Street.
“As a passionate supporter of active transport, I’m incredibly excited by these upgrades, which will offer massive safety and accessibility improvements for everyone,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“This cycleway directly addresses our community’s need for safe and accessible routes to encourage children and families to get out of their cars and onto a bike.
“I am so pleased to see this [work] completed and available to locals and visitors alike.”
Earlier this year, a new shared footpath, stretching 150 metres around the perimeter of Islington Public School, Chinchen Street and Hubbard Street, was created as part of the project.
Pram ramps, an upgraded school driveway and an enhanced footpath along the southern side of Chinchen Street, between the Clyde Street intersection and the Styx Creek bridge, were also delivered as elements of the improvements.
Best of all, the 665-metre stretch of shared path, footpath and cycleway completes several missing active transport links.
“We need to take cycling seriously and this offers better connected and more convenient infrastructure for both cyclists and pedestrians,” City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said.
“The Islington Cycleway will benefit everyone and, importantly it will make it safer for children and TAFE students to ride and walk to school.
“It demonstrates our commitment to building a more connected, active and sustainable Newcastle.”
The upgrades also mean there is a protected cycling route (a combination of on-road separated cycleways and off-road shared pathways) from the Scholey Street rail bridge in Mayfield through to Islington Park, past Islington Public School and the local TAFE in Tighes Hill and on to the city centre.
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