More bike storage needed at station, says Tesch
The lack of bicycle storage at Woy Woy station "has forced more people into their cars because cycling to the station is simply not feasible or practical," according to Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.
While Woy Woy Station had 51 shed spaces and 20 lockers, this was not enough, with only four lockers currently available.
Currently Koolewong and Tascott Station had no bicycle sheds or lockers, and there were only four lockers at Point Clare.
"The State Government has spent money forming the shared pathways to enable people to cycle or use their scooters safely and practically, yet they have failed to provide the infrastructure to actually put this scheme into practice.
"Plans need to be followed through at every intersection so we can actually put the infrastructure to good use.
"Right now the Government has only half done the job."
Central Coast Bicycle Users Group president Mr Alan Corven said the situation actively discouraged people to choose an active mode of transport.
"We need more end of trip facilities like bike stations and shared pathways to encourage members of our community to ride more and choose more active forms of transport."
Shadow Minister for Active Transport Ms Jo Haylen visited Woy Woy, saying: "The Premier is telling families to ride to and from work, or their local train station, but her own Government is failing to put up the money that is required to make this happen.
"If the Government is serious about encouraging people to walk or ride, they need to build the bike sheds and lockers this community is crying out for.
"Building this infrastructure won't just make it easier to ride to and from stations', it'll also create local jobs at a time when they are most needed."
Mr Eddie Ellis from the Central Coast Commuters Association said he would like to see infrastructure put into place.
"These facilities are important and also more parking in our stations to support the infrastructure needs of our community," said Mr Ellis.
For more information on how you can obtain a bike locker or for updated bike space information see https://appln.transport.nsw.gov.au/bikelockers/faces/jsp/public/home.xhtml.
SOURCE:
Media release, 27 Apr 2021
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford