Newcastle riding closer to connected cycling network on World Bicycle Day

As the world celebrates the many benefits of bikes today, City of Newcastle is pedalling ahead with a proposed record investment of more than $6.1 million into cycleway projects.

The active transport initiatives, which are included the draft 2025/26 Budget, will enhance cycling infrastructure across the city, with projects proposed to link Lambton Park to Croudace Street, connect Brunker Road Adamstown to Newcastle West and continue the Hunter Street trial cycleway west through to Wickham and Islington.

Cycleway plans also include a roundabout bypass on Parkway Avenue in Hamilton South, future Richmond Vale Rail Trail connections in Minmi and Fletcher and a shared path on Reserve Road at The Hill.

City of Newcastle will also continue delivering the Jesmond cycleway after successfully applying for a $2 million grant from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active Program. The project will create a safer, 800 metre off-road shared path along Blue Gum Road and through Heaton Park and MacClure Reserve, including two new bridges over Dark Creek.

Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the ongoing investment will move City of Newcastle closer to the goal of creating a cohesive cycling network that connects major destinations and provides more cycling friendly streets by 2030.

"We want to encourage more people to consider using active transport, with riding and walking to become the natural choice for short trips," Mr Tranter said.

“The investment included in our draft 2025/26 Budget reflects City of Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to provide safe, connected and convenient infrastructure that supports people to cycle and walk.”

The expansion of the cycling network will soon include a 665-metre link that connects existing cycleway and shared path infrastructure in Islington, catering for all users of varying confidence and ability.

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle utilising a $950,000 grant from the NSW Government, and features landscaped kerb extensions to provide improved visibility, an on-road separated bi-directional cycleway, and a raised priority crossing across John Hooker Street, which gives priority to shared path users over road users.

Chair of the Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Joel Pringle, said he's excited to be part of City of Newcastle's most ambitious cycleways program ever.

"It is great to see an increased investment into our cycling program under the proposed budget, and we hope to see our commitment towards cycleways and active transport funding continue to grow in coming years," Cr Pringle said.

"This draft budget spend of $6.1 million allows us to continue to develop many projects across the city and includes funding for cycleways as part of local centre upgrades, as well as continuing funding towards cycling education and promotion.

"We also look forward to working further with the NSW Government to identify and fund key cycling projects in the city, and we support opportunities including the Strategic Cycleways Corridors program that we hope to see delivered to support positive transport improvements in our city."

To encourage more Novocastrians to hop on their bikes, City of Newcastle has also unveiled a series of community cycling and bike maintenance courses to be held throughout June.

Bike maintenance classes will be held on 14 and 28 June at Adamstown Community Hall and cycling skills events will take place at the Kentish Oval Netball Courts in New Lambton on 7 and 21 June.

For more information visit the City of Newcastle website.