New line markings to commemorate the 2022 UCI Road World Championship will serve as a permanent reminder of the historic event across the Illawarra.
It comes as Wollongong Council received approval for three grants as part of the latest round of the NSW Government’s $110 million Get NSW Active program.
Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes confirmed a coloured-line will be painted on 79 kilometres of roads stretching from Helensburgh in the north to Cringila in the south, taking in Wollongong and Mount Keira in between.
“We want to commemorate this historic event with a coloured-line to mark the course, encouraging more riders of all ages and abilities to take in the stunning surrounds of the Illawarra and its glorious escarpment following the race course,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’re also making it safer to walk or ride around the region with three Get NSW Active grants, to improve those active transport connections and allow more people to leave the car at home.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the initiative is similar to the marathon blue line for the Sydney Olympics, which guided runners along the road the Olympians once competed on.
“The UCI World Road Cycling Championship was the biggest contest in Wollongong’s history, with hundreds of millions of people around the world watching this event. It has cemented the city’s status as a world-leading cycling destination,” Mr Henskens said.
“This is a fitting recognition as Wollongong is Australia’s only UCI Bike City, reflecting its long-term commitment to cycling.”
Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said the Illawarra boasted some of the finest cycling routes, attracting bicycle tourists from across the globe.
“With the race route marked out, this investment will attract bike riding enthusiasts from all over, to travel south from Helensburgh and explore our beautiful region,” Mr Evans said.
Work to deliver the commemorative line is underway. The project will be managed by Transport for NSW, who will work with Wollongong City Council.
The local projects being funded by the NSW Government through the Get NSW Active program include:
- A new $1.55 million shared path along the Grand Pacific Walk at Austinmer, linking to other nearby attractions including Little Austinmer Beach, Bells Point and Pinecourt Park and provide better wayfinding to Austinmer Train Station.
- A new $350,000 separated cycleway that will fill a key missing link in the cycling network between Gwynneville, Keiraville, West Wollongong and other key destinations including Wollongong CBD, Wollongong Railway Station (via Denison Street) and the coastal cycleway.
- A new $167,000 footpath along the eastern side of Gaynor Avenue between the existing paths at Mount Ousley Road and Helen Street to provide a safe and easy link between a primary school, the local TAFE campus, two local high schools, and shops.
