The state government has unveiled another transport option for commuters in the Newcastle CBD.
It has unveiled a new cycle pathway that will run alongside the soon-to-be-installed light rail on Hunter Street, while also visiting key sights in the inner-city.
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| The state government's plan for Newcastle's CBD cycle way. |
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says bike usage in the city is currently at around 2 per cent, with the goal being to lift it at least 10 per cent.
"We want to attract more people to take up cycling by making it a viable travel option, for either and end-to-end journey or to connect with public transport hubs," Mr MacDonald said.
Those consulted raised the need for the light rail to be compatible with bikes, which Mr MacDonald said is a plan that has been adopted.
Cyclists will be able to take their bikes onto the light rail, and then continue to use them after getting off.
Newcastle cycling advocate Bernard Hocking is largely supportive of the plan but has criticised the government for not committing funding to it.
"The opening lines of the strategy recognise the importance of cycling, but then defer responsibility for delivery to the local government," Mr Hocking said.
"You'd think if the state government is spending half a billion dollars on two-and-a-half kilometres of light rail, they could put a tiny percentage of that towards safe cycling infrastructure."
Cycle paths are in the domain of local governments, but Mr MacDonald said the consultation process showed residents wanted a collaboration approach between the two levels of government.
"I think that has happened; it's been a good outcome'" Mr MacDonald said.
