A CURIOUS stretch of pavement that begins and ends nowhere could be turned into a bike track.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The footpath, on the Bega-Tathra Rd near the Glen Mia roundabout, has signs saying it is suitable for bikes and pedestrians, but it is only about 300metres long.
Bega resident Bert Alker said this pavement could become a transit lane from Bega to Tathra, similar to the new track around the Old Bega Racecourse, as this would solve the issue of cyclists along that road.
As there is no bike lane on Tathra Rd, cyclists have to ride in the car lane.
This is partly because the bitumen along the side of the road has worn away, Mr Alker said.
He said a transit lane could connect all the residents between Tathra and the regional centre of Bega, and providing a safe way to cycle would cut down vehicular traffic in Bega and free up car parks.
Once the new South East Regional Hospital (SERH) opens the transit lane would provide an option to get there, and it would give youths of the area another chance to exercise.
“If we had people riding to the hospital, it would cut down traffic, encourage healthy living and would get kids off the internet and their devices,” Mr Alker said.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s group manager of transport and utilities Wayne Sartori said the pavement near the Glen Mia roundabout was constructed as part of the SERH’s development last year.
“It is yet to be completed as it is to be continued through and connected to the existing pathway at Rose St,” he said.
“Council’s bike plan has identified the cycle route between Bega and Tathra.
“However, given the funding constraints and other cycling priorities it will take many years to implement.”
Mr Sartori said council is in the design and feasibility stage for three cycle ways: from Bega to Kalaru, Bermagui to Camel Rock Beach and Pambula to South Pambula.
He said if the plans go ahead, cycling capabilities would be provided on the road.
However, these plans were only in the early design phase and he could not name a date of when construction could begin.
Other cycling priorities included eight pedestrian refugees and improved cyclist warning signs across the shire.
Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy was approached for comment on the idea of a bike lane between Bega and Tathra, but is yet to respond.