As the population in the Tamworth region continues to grow, it is important that our transport infrastructure grows with it. With more people visiting Tamworth as a central hub for the region, the number of daily car trips within the city is expected to rise dramatically, which could lead to more traffic congestion in future.

Tamworth’s Active Transport Strategy, currently on public exhibition, aims to make it easier for more local residents to walk or cycle around the city. Where appropriate infrastructure is provided, walking and cycling will help to reduce traffic congestion for Tamworth’s road users and free-up parking spaces in business districts.

Seven new shared pathways, catering for both people cycling or on foot, have now been constructed. These shared pathways are part of Council’s three-year plan to complete most of the “missing links” in our existing active transport network, with sites determined following community consultation.

The current active transport network in Tamworth consists of 34km of shared path for both cyclists and pedestrians, 116km of footpath and 2km of on-road cycleway.

Council has now constructed an additional 15.3km of new shared path and 7.3km of new footpath!

Our goal is to create a connected, accessible, safe, inclusive and attractive walking and cycling network which will attract residents of all abilities and ages to walk and cycle.

By 2031, we aim to have 1 in 10 journeys to work completed by either walking or cycling. Currently the large majority of Tamworth residents drive to work, with only 1 in 20 trips completed on foot or on a bike.

These projects have been funded by the NSW Government’s $3.284 million Cycling Towns grant program.

This funding can only be used for construction of cycleways and shared path areas. The package delivers funding at approximately $1 million a year.