Light rail … plus a greenway corridor for cyclists, walkers and wildlife

In addition to light rail services, the Rozelle line corridor should also be used as a cycle route, linking bike paths along the Cooks River in the south with those at Iron Cove to the north.

Local community groups have long advocated that the corridor be protected and developed as the Cooks River to Iron Cove GreenWay – a corridor of native vegetation providing access for cyclists and pedestrians and a sanctuary and migration route for native wildlife, including the recently discovered inner west population of long-nosed bandicoots.

The GreenWay will also enhance the amenity of the local environment for residents.

It would feature:

• Safe pedestrian and cycling crossings under busy roads such as Parramatta and New Canterbury roads.
• Cycleway infrastructure that will actually make a difference – not just pictures of bikes painted on roads.
• Bike racks at all light rail stations, making it easier to access the new services.
• A focus for native bushland preservation with increased community participation in local environmental regeneration.

There is sufficient space in the corridor to support segregated bicycle and pedestrian access, overcoming potential conflicts that arise from shared paths.

The greenway could also form the focus of a wider program of quiet “green streets” that have speed restrictions and streetscapes with appropriate surface and curb treatments to support cycling, walking and better community interaction.

For more information and GreenWay map go to the Friends of the GreenWay website: www.greenway.org.au