Soon, a new cycle and pedestrian bridge will make it safer for bikers and walkers to get around the area surrounding Manly Lagoon along Hinkler Park in Queenscliff.
Locals have been raising safety concerns at Manly Lagoon due to its narrow pathway along Pittwater Rd, where cyclists are forced to dismount from their rides as it can be disruptive for pedestrians. As a result, many cyclists use the busy road and avoid the pathway, directly affecting the traffic.
The new cycle and pedestrian bridge, made possible through a $3.95-million funding allocation, is earmarked for mid-2024 construction.
“This project resolves a significant chokepoint in our local walking and cycling network. Whether you’re riding to Manly Wharf as part of your daily commute or enjoying our beautiful coastline on the weekend, this investment will make a world of difference to the everyday needs of our local community,” Member for Manly James Griffin said.
“We know that the biggest barrier to people taking up cycling is concerns about riding on the road, so this project will encourage more people to leave the car at home and save on the household budget.”
Mr Griffin also said that the secured $3.95 million funding will include the rehabilitation of the Manly Lagoon.
Bicycle NSW commended the progression of the project, which will encourage more locals to use active transport in their daily lives.
“It’s great to see so many more school students and different people already taking up active transport offerings on the Northern Beaches,” Peter McLean, the CEO Of Bicycle NSW, shared.
“With pieces of infrastructure being built like this, we’re going to see more people doing it more often and more entry-level bicycle riders. We want to reduce over a million trips, just in Sydney alone, every day that are under 2km in distance. Infrastructure like this assists that, and the more we see, the more preventative health diseases will go down.”
Published 15 February 2023