Islington Cycleway Project Enhances Safety and Connectivity for Pedestrians and Cyclists

newy.com.au – Children and community members in Islington will now find it safer and more accessible to walk, scoot, and cycle, following the completion of a  footpath upgrade outside Islington Public School.

Stretching over 150 metres around the school’s perimeter, the new footpath forms part of the first stage of the Islington Cycleway project. In the coming months, additional line markings and signage will transform this infrastructure into a shared path, further improving safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.

The project has also delivered key improvements, including new pram ramps, an upgraded school driveway, and a newly constructed footpath along the southern side of Chinchen Street, spanning from Clyde Street to Styx Creek bridge.

Funded through a $950,000 grant from the NSW Government, the Islington Cycleway project is being delivered by the City of Newcastle to enhance cycling and walking connections while ensuring safer, more accessible routes for all road users.

Additional cycling and pedestrian upgrades set to be completed as part of the project include:

• A separated two-way cycleway along the north side of Chinchen Street, using concrete barriers between Linden Street and the eastern side of Styx Creek bridge.
• Landscaped kerb extensions at Linden Street to improve visibility and safety for cyclists.
• Improved connections to the existing shared path at the Clyde Street traffic signals, providing an off-road route through the intersection.
• A raised priority path crossing at Hubbard Street, giving shared path users right of way over road traffic at John Hooker Street.

The full project is expected to be completed by May 2025.

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, welcomed the progress:
“I’m thrilled to see the first stage of the Islington Cycleway project completed. These upgrades will not only enhance safety and accessibility but also encourage more children to walk and cycle to school, fostering independence, self-confidence, and fitness.

“We want to make it easier and safer for people of all ages to be active, and this project is a great step towards reducing congestion on local roads.”

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge, highlighted the city’s commitment to active transport:
“The City of Newcastle is dedicated to improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The completion of this stage of the Islington Cycleway is a significant milestone in achieving that goal.

“With the new footpath already benefiting schoolchildren and the wider community, we’re excited to deliver the next stages of this project to enhance connectivity and encourage more people to walk and cycle safely through Islington.”

Once fully completed, the Islington Cycleway project will provide a safer, more convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting sustainable transport options and improving overall community well-being.