Predictions for the Tweed Rail Trail of 25,000 users a year have been blown out of the water with the last two years seeing over 90,000 users a year Pat Grier, President of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters told The Echo.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail now has two sections open and the final section between Crabbes Creek at the northern edge of Byron Shire through to Lismore being the final section waiting to be funded and built.
Once completed, the 132km Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be one of the longest rail trails in Australia, linking a dynamic range of places across the Northern Rivers and providing a safe, car-free path for walking, cycling and exploring the region.
Sign your support
‘A joint funding application from Byron and Lismore Councils to complete the missing section has now been awaiting a decision from the federal government for around 16 months,’ said Pat.
‘With Byron Shire Council recently reaffirming its support for the project, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters are now turning to the community to help demonstrate the strength of local backing for finishing the trail. We need to create as much noise and collect as many names in support as we can, to show state and federal politicians how important funding the missing link is.’
Throw your support behind the need to complete the rail trail at: www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/SUPPORT.
More than a bike trail
Along with a range of business opportunities that came with the rail trail it also gives people access to nature, cycling, walking and connects communities.
‘What makes the rail trail so important is its accessibility and inclusiveness. It’s not just for cyclists – it’s used by walkers, families with prams, people in wheelchairs, older residents, runners. It’s one of the few spaces where people of all ages and abilities can safely share the same experience, which is incredibly rare,’ said Tracey McDonagh from Cycling Without Age in Burringbar who give people a chance to experience these environments, particularly seniors and people with disabilities, with a chance to get out in the community again for free.
Gloria, who was a keen cyclists most of her life but Gabriel has lost the mobility required to continue riding, travelled by bus from Coffs Harbour the Tweed rail trail where Cycling Without Age in Burringbar have given her the opportunity to experience cycling again.
‘I was thrilled when I heard about the volunteers who offer this exciting tour for free,’ she told The Echo.
Between Crabbes Creek and Lismore
‘Completing the link between Crabbes Creek and Lismore would unlock the full 131km corridor, creating a continuous trail that connects towns, supports local businesses, and strengthens regional tourism,’ said Tracey.
‘But beyond the economic benefits, it’s about social connection – giving people a safe, welcoming space to get outdoors, improve their health and wellbeing, and engage with their community.
‘Parents and kids use it to get to school. A local high school now has a fleet of bikes as a sports choice, and we regularly see them on the rail trail with their teachers. Burringbar Public School uses it for exercise and nature studies for their students. It has health benefits for everyone – to exercise and explore somewhere safe.’
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