After more than a year in the planning and talking to the community the Byron Shire Council's Bike Plan and Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) have both been endorsed.
The endorsement of these plans coincides with the construction starting on the Suffolk Park to Byron Bay cycle way.
The development of the Bike Plan, along with the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) involved detailed engagement with towns and villages across the Shire with the aim being to make sure the plans reflected the needs of the community.
Dan Strzina, Project Engineer, said the development of the plans was a long and in-depth process that captured more than 700 survey responses, 62 submissions and attracted over 150 people to five workshops in Ocean Shores, Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Byron Bay.
"We wanted to make sure that people had the opportunity to identify and help prioritise locations for future footpaths and cycle ways in their local town or village that would be most beneficial to their community," Mr Strzina said.
"With these plans finalised and adopted, we've got a clear path forward to more efficiently deliver better connected pedestrian and cycle networks throughout the Shire.
"Having quality plans in place with such a high level of community input and support also gives us a much greater chance of attracting State and Federal grant funding, so a huge thank you to all who were involved," he said.
"A special mention must also go to the community members and Councillors involved in the Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Committee (TIAC) who were extensively involved in developing both plans from inception through to completion.
"Their support in developing and undertaking such an intensive, community-focused consultation process was integral to the success of both projects," Mr Strzina said.
Construction of the first stage of one of the major projects identified in the Bike Plan, the Suffolk Park to Byron Bay cycle path, is underway.
Stage one will see the cycle path built between Clifford Street at Suffolk Park to the Byron at Byron Resort. This is expected to be finished by late December/early January.
The $580,000 project is jointly funded by the NSW Government via its Stronger Country Communities Fund and Byron Shire Council.
