Charlotte Varcoe
THE installation of 770 metres of shared path along Sherwin Road has been welcomed by avid cyclists.
The shared pathway – planned to connect Mil Lel Primary School to the community centre – received $86,715 from the state government to build the $183,430 project.
It was one of four Limestone Coast bike path projects with the government injecting a total of $138,715 throughout the region.
Mount Gambier Cycling Club president Damien Buckley said he thought the initiative was “absolutely fantastic” and would provide more safe pathways for future cyclists.
“There has always been an interesting partnership between motor vehicles and cyclists,” Mr Buckley said.
“I think the bike paths give more people – particularly families and even the members of our cycling club – an opportunity to ride their bikes in a safer environment.”
He said many people already use bike paths including a number of club members due to being safer.
“Cyclists come off second best with trucks and cars and there is no two ways about it and as much as we try and do the right thing, one mistake between cyclists and motorists and it is catastrophic,” Mr Buckley said.
“The worst scenarios we see on the cycling trail is bikes getting a flat tire as opposed to what is done on the roads.”
He said for cyclists training for future competitions, having further shared paths also meant novice or beginner cyclists all the way to experienced riders would be given the opportunity to tide, practice and get to know their bike.
“They would then become a better cyclist so when they do have to go on the road it is an environment they can use,” he said.
“I also have three kids and this gives us a safe corridor through Mil Lel which is a proud community of sports and kids.”
Mr Buckley said there were also future opportunities for other shared bike paths leading out of Mount Gambier/Berrin including towards Kalangadoo and possible linking to Penola.
“There is always an opportunity to put a bike path here towards the beach and there is more rail line that goes out towards Kalangadoo which is a great part of the world,” he said.
“You have the backdrop of the forests and I do not think those rail lines will be used again.”
The Tatiara District Council, Kingston District Council and Naracoorte Lucindale Council also received funding for other bike path projects.
