There is no more separation anxiety on the iconic Bay Run after $2.25m upgrade keeps runners and cyclists away from each other

FRICTION between joggers and cyclists sharing the iconic Bay Run around Iron Cove is set to become a thing of the past now that a new improved section of the pathway is officially open.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay (right), Mayor of Canada Bay Helen McCaffrey (left) and Drummoyne MP John Sidoti officially open the $2.25m Bay Run enhancement project. Picture: Craig Wilson

FRICTION between joggers and cyclists sharing the iconic Bay Run around Iron Cove is set to become a thing of the past after a new improved section of the pathway was officially opened today.

Widening work, costing $2.25 million, on a 400m stretch of the pathway at Five Dock means that bike riders have use of a 2.5m wide lane while those on foot now have a separate lane, 2m across, to themselves.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay joined State Liberal MP for Drummoyne John Sidoti and mayor of the City of Canada Bay, Helen McCaffrey, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the enhanced section.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay, Mayor of Canada Bay Helen McCaffrey and Drummoyne MP John Sidoti officially open the $1.7m Bay Run Enhancement. Picture: Craig Wilson

Mr Gay who tipped in $1,7 million in government funding for the project, stretching between Arthur St and the Iron Cove Creek bridge, said separating cyclists and walkers was important for the safety of all users of the Bay Run.

“This is one of the most iconic runs in Sydney, if not the southern hemisphere,” he said.

“It now works so much better.”

Mr Sidoti said funding for the project, in co-operation with the council, was “the best money we’ve ever spent”.

“It’s a deadset legacy project,” he said.

“Thousands of people use this path on a regular basis.”

Mayor McCaffrey said the council started work to upgrade the path in March.

Mr Gay told those gathered for opening ceremony that the government is spending $284 million over the next four years to upgrade cycling and walking paths across the state.

The Inner West Council, which administers the Bay Run east of Iron Cove Creek, is also planning a path widening and separation project.

It wants to increase the width to 4.5 metres to accommodate a separated path for cyclists and pedestrians and joggers, between the bridge and the UTS Haberfield Rowing Club

Improvements to the Leichhardt side of the run are scheduled to be completed in late February.