CYCLISTS of all ages are eager to test out the first section of a multimillion-dollar cycling network that will be rolled out today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The levee link is the first section of the commuter cycle network to be completed as part of Wagga City Council's $12.8 million Active Travel Plan.
It stretches from the Wiradjuri Bridge to Wagga Beach, and is the first of 10 routes to roll out across the city.
Strategic asset planner Ben Creighton said it was exciting times to see the first section of the link officially open for cyclists, with the next link on Red Hill Road due to be completed in the upcoming weeks.
In other news:
"It is great to be able to complete this part of the project early as this is probably the most premium part of the network and gives the best vantage of looking over the river," he said.
Although the link will officially open for cyclists today, Mr Creighton said the community had a chance to get a taste ahead of the community event.
"We had a bit of taste on it with the Gears and Beers festival where the seven-kilometre family event rode on this section as a early prelude," he said. "The feedback we got from young children to adults was really positive."
He expects the new link will be well-used by families.
"It will provide a separate cycleway where people can move around the city without interacting with vehicles, so that's very important from a cyclist safety point of view," he said.
"Also, from a recreational point of view, we have these great opportunities for people to cycle in and around the city - and get to places like our Riverside precinct, which is a great attraction for the city."
Mayor Greg Conkey said the cycling network will enhance the liveability of the city, while also serving as a new attraction for visitors looking to embrace a different recreational activity.
"Council is committed to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The cycling network will add to the liveability and accessibility of our city," he said.
Cr Conkey will hop aboard his bicycle to test out the new levee link to mark the grand opening today. The community has been invited for a sausage sizzle from 11am.
The entire network will be rolled out by mid-2021.