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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Cycleway will give pleasure and health

 

I implore Gosford Council not to be swayed by the Peninsular Community Waterfront Reserve Preservation Committee, whose misguided objections to the proposed Woy Woy Peninsular cycleway-pathway are reported in the March 26 edition of Peninsula News.

The cycleway-pathway will open off-road access to the beautiful Brisbane Water and Ettalong waterfront to all residents.

The underlying agenda of the committee appears to be to block any improved access and to keep the waterfront for the exclusive use of those residents who have the privilege of backing onto the reserves.

The cycleway-pathway is not a new concept.

Cities all around the world have embraced this model as a way of improving the quality of urban living.

Adelaide's 30km linear park along the River Torrens is a magnificent Australian example.

Its natural environment has been enhanced, not spoiled by its cycleway-pathway.

Thousands of Adelaide residents use the path regularly.

The cycleway-pathway will provide both pleasure and health for people of all ages, abilities and disabilities.

Regular exercise is now recognised as a vital part of daily activity of older persons, and there are precious few extended firm pathways on the Peninsula for older people seeking a regular walk for pleasure and fitness.

And young children need off-road cycleways for a safe environment.

Cycleways adjacent to roads are not an alternative.

The committee seeks to discredit the project by denigrating its proposed use of concrete. Concrete should be seen as one of a number of possible surfaces.

Adelaide uses several different materials including concrete, asphalt and a compacted composite (similar to the Mt Penang parkland), dependent on local conditions.

I would leave selection of the best material to specialists.

To Council, please continue the consultation, but include broader groups and individuals than those attracted by "site inspections".

I look forward to its early completion and can assure you my family and grandchildren will be regular enthusiastic users.

Bruce Abrahams, Woy Woy