SHANE Rattenbury and Mick Gentleman have announced new initiatives in the Budget to improve cycle paths around Canberra.

Investment in Canberra’s ‘active transport’ network will provide a record $23 million to fund an improved network of bike paths and footpaths and ensure better access to public transport under the ACT’s first Active Travel Plan, also released today.

“In countries around the world, integrated transport networks shape the way cities grow and prosper, generating economic opportunities and jobs, and creating great places to live. This will be joined up transport where paths, roads and public transport work together to help Canberrans get where they want to go,” said Andrew Barr.

New funding initiatives within the plan to be announced in the Budget include:

• $250,000 which will fund the design of an upgrade for new and existing shared paths and cycle infrastructure in and around the Woden Town Centre;
• $600,000 to construct a new shared walking and cycling paths through Bowen Park, connecting to the Kingston Foreshore and making it easier to ride a loop around Lake Burley Griffin;
• $1.5 million will facilitate the final design and construction of new road crossings on the busy Sullivan’s Creek cycle path. Crossings will be constructed at Masson Street, Condamine Street and Goodwin Street;
• $200,000 for the design of Stage 1 of the Molonglo Cycle Highway from the City to Acacia Inlet, a Parliamentary Agreement item;
• $150,000 towards the design improvements to increase ease of cycling and walking to and from the Kingston Group Centre; and
• $100,000 committed to Belconnen, West Belconnen and Tuggeranong feasibility studies to identify local walking and cycling path connections.

Shane said that prioritising walking and cycling is key to Canberra’s transport future and that the Government’s new Active Travel Office would oversee implementation of new infrastructure and improvements to help people no matter how they get around.

“Active Travel is a feature of the world’s best cities. The exercise from a walk to the shops, the social benefits from meeting people on the street and the economic and environmental benefits from active travel are clear,” Shane said.