New link to extend safer connections across Newcastle’s cycleway network

Novocastrians will be invited to have their say on a proposal to add to City of Newcastle's cycling network along Chinchen and Hubbard streets in Islington.

The 665-metre stretch will connect existing cycling infrastructure on the Scholey Street rail bridge and Islington Park on Maitland Road and is proposed to utilise both on-road separated cycleway and off-road shared pathway.

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $950,000 from the NSW Government through Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Islington Public School Principal Megan Hamilton and students Jamie and Gabriel Irvine.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the cycleway would enhance the continuity of safe cycling connections along a key regional route, improving safety and accessibility for students travelling to Islington Public School and Tighes Hill TAFE.

“This project is part of our ongoing investment to deliver safe, connected and convenient cycleways across the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

"We've spoken to local parents and Islington Public School students who walk, cycle, scoot, and skate their way to and from school and are strong advocates for active transport.

"We also want to hear from residents, TAFE students, commuters, and anyone who has an interest in cycling to learn how they're using existing cycleways through Islington.” 

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said this investment is part of giving Newcastle residents more ways to travel.

"Delivering new ways to travel on a bike, or on foot gives people another way to travel safely around Newcastle,” Minister Haylen said.

"For every person that chooses to ride a bike to the shops, work or school, that’s one less car on our roads competing for limited parking. That means investments such as these are a win-win.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to encouraging the uptake of active transport.

"The best outcomes are generated when we work closely with the community and by prioritising investment in cycleways, we hope to see cycling playing a larger role in Newcastle’s transport mix," Cr Clausen said.

"Projects such as this enhance the continuity of safe and direct cycling connections for users of varying confidence and ability."

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said this investment was the NSW Government fulfilling yet another election commitment for Newcastle, to make Islington a safe place for cyclists.

“This is a high traffic area, with many students from Islington Public School and Newcastle TAFE riding far too close to cars and trucks," Mr Crakanthorp said.

“This cycleway will not only protect students getting to and from school, but also encourage more to get on their bikes or go for a walk.”

The Islington project will form an important link in City of Newcastle's 'On Our Bikes' Cycling Plan, which proposes the creation of cycling connections from the western suburbs of Minmi and Wallsend all the way through to the inner city.

The new cycleway will complement City of Newcastle's $800,000 upgrade of the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets completed last year, featuring new traffic signals for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.

Community feedback will be used as part of the detailed design stage, with the project included as part of City of Newcastle’s 2024-25 capital works program.

Submissions open on Monday 24 June and close at 5pm on Thursday 25 July.

To view the preliminary concept designs and complete the online survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay