Bike path projects need public support

Aslan Shand

Bike tracks fanning out from Mullumbimby is one of the key ideas put forward for the Stronger Country Communities fund that Byron Shire Council is currently seeking applications for.

And your submissions count! Three groups were considering applying for the grant money – these were from Tuckeroo Avenue to Shearwater School, Mullumbimby to Main Arm Village and from the Mullumbimby Co-op to the Mullumbimby Golf Club.

Owing to the short time in which to get the grant application together, the track from the Co-op to the Golf Club has been put on hold; however, Council are looking at creating a Shirewide bike plan later in the year.

Both bike paths have been recommended in the past; the one to Shearwater was part of the Byron Shire bike plan in 2005 and the first part of the Main Arm bike track as early as 2001.

Lainie Anderson, spokesperson for the proposed Mullumbimby cycleway out to Shearwater, pointed out the school has 700 students and, ‘there is a range of evidence that demonstrated the health benefits for children who ride and walk to school.’

‘The plans for the 8km bike track to Shearwater are being developed on a pro-bono basis by the engineering company who developed the bike track at Lennox Head.

Spokesperson for the Main Arm bike track, Sophia Marles, said, ‘Having a number of bike tracks will really create the opportunity for people to get out of their cars and enjoy the wonderful natural environment we live in.’

There are a number of projects that are being proposed throughout the Shire that can be found on Council’s website: www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/stronger-country-communities-round-2.

To get involved in supporting the Main Arm bike track, email [email protected]. To get involved in supporting the Mullum to Shearwater bike track, email [email protected].

Multiple projects can be supported.