Cycling infrastructure across the ACT will be boosted as Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Minister for Roads and Active Travel Chris Steel today joined Pedal Power to start the next stage of the ACT Government’s fast-track stimulus program.
The expansion of the fast-track suburban infrastructure program will support more jobs and local businesses. As part of the expansion, he Government will invest in two new ‘Bike and Ride’ facilities, completing more missing links in the shared path network and in path maintenance at six key locations across the city.
“The Government supports active travel because it makes Canberra a better place to live,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“We want to harness the enthusiasm for active travel that we’ve seen during the pandemic, and make it more attractive to walk and cycle around our city.”
“This new package of works will help create jobs over the next six to twelve months whilst leaving a lasting legacy of pedestrian and cycle improvements that will benefit the community for many years to come.”
This package of works comes after over 50 new paths were built around the ACT since April, as part of the initial round of the fast-track program.
“The ACT Government has built over 50 footpaths during the pandemic and we’re expanding the program to build new shared paths, fix key existing links, and build more bike and ride locations to encourage active travel,” said Minister Steel.
Minister Steel said the Government was making it more convenient for Canberrans to access public transport with a new bike and ride facility to be built on Barry Drive in Acton and at the new Wells Station Park and Ride, which is due to commence construction soon.
“Bike and ride facilities give commuters the option to cycle to their nearest bus or light rail station and safely store their bike while they complete their journey on public transport,” Minister Steel said.
Minister Steel said that the Government would build new paths including stage two of the Heysen Street link on Launceston Street in Lyons and a new path in Kaleen from Baldwin Dr to Tyrell Circuit.
“This package will also see maintenance fixes on a range ofcommunity paths to improve safety for cyclists including paths on Namatjira Drive in Weston and the Federal Highway in Downer.”
“This is just the start. We’ll continue to build even more active travel upgrades including new additional projects proposed to the Federal Government under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.”
Minister Steel also announced an expansion of the very popular Slower Streets campaign – a community initiative encouraging motorists to slow down and be mindful of people out and about in local neighbourhoods. Aranda, Crace, Downer and Farrer became ‘Slower Streets’ suburbs in May this year. A further seven suburbsare now part of the program – Ainslie, Braddon, Garran, O’Connor, Watson, Weston and Yarralumla.
“A further seven suburbs will join will join Slower Streets program to send the clear message that motorists need to be alert for cyclists and walkers on local streets,” said Minister Steel.
“More people are out walking and cycling and Slower Streets signs remind people in cars to drive at a friendlier pace, be alert and look out for their neighbours.”
The list of projects announced today are:
- A new two-metre wide asphalt path from Baldwin Drive, through the open space and connecting with the existing path network at the bottom of Tyrell Circuit in Kaleen.
- A new 2.5 metre off-road asphalt shared path along Launceston Street from Burnie Street to the underpass near the Lyons shops (Stage 2 of the Heysen Street Link).
- A new bike and ride facility on Barry Drive after Clunies Ross Street in Acton which may include bike racks, cages, lockers and rails.
- A a bike and ride facility for the new park and ride to be delivered on Well Station Drive.
- Path improvements in 6 priority locations to remove hazards to cyclists through addressing drainage issues:
- Caswell Drive (southbound): between Belconnen Way and the Glenloch Interchange
- John Knight Park, Belconnen
- Namatjira Drive, Weston Creek
- Heagney Crescent, Gilmore
- Mirrabei Drive (opposite Tangari Street), Amaroo
- Federal Highway (opposite Atherton Street), Downer
