A new footpath in Islington marks another step in the planned cycleway network to be installed throughout the Hunter.

And, children and the wider community are set to benefit from the improved infrastructure, making it safer and easier to walk, scoot and ride their bikes.

The pathway stretches more than 150 metres around the perimeter of Islington Public School.

It’s just one of several improvements made in the first stage of the Islington Cycleway project.

The footpath will further assist walkers and cyclists when line markings and signage are installed in the coming months to convert it into a shared path.

School kids and the community can also benefit from new pram ramps, an upgraded school driveway and a footpath along the southern side of Chinchen Street between the Clyde Street intersection and the Styx Creek bridge.

Several other improvements are to be completed, including:

• An on-road, separated two-way cycleway, using concrete separators, along the north side of Chinchen Street between Linden Street and the east side of Styx Creek bridge
• Landscaped kerb extensions at the Linden Street intersection to provide improved visibility and separation for cyclists crossing
• Connections into the existing shared path at the Clyde Street traffic signals to provide a separated off-road option through the intersection
• A new raised priority path crossing along Hubbard Street across John Hooker Street, which gives priority to shared path users over road users.

The Islington Cycleway project is being delivered by the City of Newcastle (CN) through a $950,000 grant from the state government.

The remaining works will be completed by May this year.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp admitted he was thrilled to see the first stage finally come to fruition.

“Along with providing safety and accessibility benefits, the new footpath, pram ramps, driveway and landscaping outside Islington Public School will encourage more children to walk and cycle to school, which in turn gives youngsters independence, self-confidence and improves fitness,” he said.

“We want kids and adults to have the opportunity to get more active in a way that is safer and easier for them to do so.

“By installing new and improved infrastructure, the Islington Cycleway project will also help to alleviate congestion on the local road network.”

According to Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, the works will hopefully be continued throughout the Hunter.

“Ultimately, this all links up and will become part of the cycleway network linking the university to the CBD,” he said.

“It may even go beyond to the western suburbs and up to the vineyards if that project comes through.”

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