Wollongong’s Cycling Future

COVID-19 Pandemic has created an unprecedented time and there have been calls across the state for more infrastructure and support for bike riding.

Firstly, as a way to exercise when many gyms and sporting activities were closed and secondly as a way of physical distancing when people start returning to work. Wollongong City Council acknowledges this and has drafted the Cycling Strategy 2030, set to be voted on for public exhibition at Monday’s ordinary general meeting.

Wollongong City Council’s Cycling Strategy 2030

Over the next 10 years, Wollongong Council are seeking to expand their cycling network from 120km to 215km by adding 50km of on road and 35km of off road. This will include working with the NSW Government to fund significant cycleways along the Princes Highway, Crown Street and Lawrence Hargrave Drive, plus connect residential areas to city centres.

Cycling Strategy 2030 Goals

With 46% of Wollongong households having access to a bike, the local council is optimistic about achieving their goals.

Overall the Wollongong City Council’s 2030 goals are to:

Increase weekly cycling participation from 12.9% to 20%
Increase female participation from 10.9% to 15%
Increase cycling trips to work from 0.7% to 2%
Increase cycling transport trips from 20.6% to 25%
Reduce the number of cycling related crashes reported from 156 to 70 per 5 year period

They plan to achieve this through delivering:

Off-road shared paths and separated cycling routes
Connections between bike paths and education facilities including signage
Connections between bike paths and amenities and public transport, including bicycle parking