Multimillion-dollar pledge to upgrade Linear Park cycling tracks
UPGRADING bike paths along Linear Park and making it easier for children to ride to school are at the heart of a local council’s plan to boost cycling across the district.
UPGRADING bike paths along Linear Park and making it easier for children to ride to school are at the heart of a Campbelltown Council plan to boost cycling across the district.
The council last week endorsed a masterplan to improve its cycling network.
However, much of the work is uncosted and councillors are yet to commit substantial funds to the project.
The plan includes spending $1.75 million to improve the standard of cycling and walking paths along Linear Park over the next four years.
A further $1.5 million would be needed to upgrade bike crossings on main roads, including Gorge, Lower North East, Magill and Glynburn roads.
An estimated $660,000 would be spent developing shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians across the area, such as at Fourth Creek Trail and small sections of main roads.
Uncosted elements include wider footpaths near schools to improve cycling safety for children, a learn-to-ride bike park, bike repair stations and the creation of a local cycling group.
There are also plans for new or upgraded bike lanes on Stradbroke, Montacute and Moules roads.
Nearly 800 schoolchildren responded to consultation on the plan.
They backed the idea of a learn-to-ride bike park and wanted the council to provide more areas where children can ride safely.
The council received 25 other submissions on the plan, 92 per cent of which “supported” or “strongly supported” it.
Campbelltown resident and member of the Bicycle Institute of SA Katie Gilfillan, 38, welcomed the plan.
“It’s nice now that the council can have a bit of a footprint on where to go from here,” she said.
“Our children deserve the right to grow up in a neighbourhood designed to keep them healthy and happy.”
Cr Jill Whittaker, who has supported the plan since the council started work on it in 2014, said it would help create a better cycling culture in the northeast.
“A well-structured and supported plan helps to reduce transport costs and traffic congestion, plus assists riders to become fit and enjoy cycling as a sport or family activity,” she said.
But not all councillors are convinced.
Cr Rob Tidd questioned the need for a learn-to-ride park, arguing there was already one at Ridgehaven run by Tea Tree Gully Council.
Cr Max Amber doubted the plan, saying “half of our city is fairly steep, it’s not conducive to bike riding”.
Mayor Simon Brewer said the cost of the works was a “natural concern” and the council would need to balance any investment with other key projects.
“It’s hard to predict what will be done and when, but at least we now have some direction and a plan to work towards,” he said.