THE Port Macquarie-Hastings Draft Bike Plan 2014 is now available for public comment, until 19 May.
The aim of the plan is to increase safe cycling levels across the region for transport as well as recreation.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is also aiming to increase awareness of cycling as a legitimate mode of transport.
Mayor Peter Besseling said the draft bike plan was a strategic document to assist in the co-ordinated approach to delivering cycling infrastructure, both on-road and off-road, to cater safely for cyclists of a wide range of abilities and experience.
Draft bike network maps will also be on exhibition and available for comment.
The plan suggests cycling objectives for the region and identifies the actions needed to achieve these objectives. It also suggests infrastructure works required to continue the development of the bicycle network both within the region’s main towns and between the main urban areas.
“Bike riding is one of those recreational pursuits that most people enjoy from a very young age,” Cr Besseling said.
“In the Greater Port Macquarie region we have a large number of people who ride bikes whether it be for sport, adventure or transport.
“We want to make sure the local government area caters for a broad range of cyclists and providing feedback on these maps will help enormously.”
He stressed the maps were a good start and “far from being finalised”.
“What we really need at this stage of the process is for people to get involved,” Cr Besseling said.
Following the public exhibition of the draft plan, the submissions will be reviewed and a draft final bike plan placed on exhibition for comment before a final bike plan is presented to council for adoption.
The council is encouraging all residents – bike riders and non-bike riders alike – to comment on the draft plan at http://pmhclistening.com.au/bike-plan-2014
More information about the plan is available from John Hanlon on 6581 8111.
