I am writing to give my opinion on the proposed new shared pathway for Raftons Road and Leslie Street in Bangalow. This pathway is urgently needed.
Raftons Road and Leslie Street are a frequently used important connection to Bangalow town centre for the residents who live on the western side of town. Cars are fast going downhill and fast going up. Pedestrians and cyclists have to negotiate the busy road, walk and cycle around parked cars while keeping close to the curb.
There is a childcare centre at the bottom of Raftons Road. I meet mums walking, rather than driving, to drop off or pick up their kids seeing it as an opportunity to get some exercise.
On the day of the Billy Cart Derby we walked into town with our two dogs. Our older dog got the privilege of riding in the dog stroller. I realised how pushing a stroller must be a challenge for mums and dads on these roads. Leslie Street was chock-full with parked cars leaving only a narrow space for the young families with kids on scooters and many pedestrians to walk on the roadway that is a blind spot for the oncoming traffic – risky indeed!
I wished for the safety of a pathway more than ever. A week later, I noticed with delight Council’s announcement about building the shared pathway and asking for community opinion. In my submission I also mentioned the necessity of a pathway for Rifle Range Road, which is commonly used by school children.
We enjoy a friendly neighbourhood community in this part of town. Walking opens up the occasion for social exchange. Since the distance into town is easy, designated pathways promote leaving the car at home. I wholly welcome the footpath proposal for the support of community life, safety and healthier living.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
