Case Studies

Fairfield Cycleways, Sydney, New South Wales

Overview

Fairfield City Council has been actively providing a comprehensive network of cycleways throughout the City. Fairfield Local Government Area has approximately100 kilometres of cycleway traversing east/west and north/south linking Fairfield to its neighbours. The cycleways are primarily off-road and Council has placed routes in areas that showcase the scenic nature of the open space environment and provides access to the major rail and bus public transport systems. Partnerships have been formed with the community, local schools, adjoining councils and the local Indigenous community to create artworks located along the cycleway.  Council is also a partner with South West Sydney Area Health for a cycling intervention research project.

Key Features

• Development of approximately 100kms of off-road cycleway network that transverses east west across the city, adjacent to three major creeks: Orphan School Creek (Bay to Mts cycleway); Prospect Creek and Cabramatta Creek. 
• These local networks link into major regional routes the M7, Rail Trail and the T-Way cycleways.
• Western Sydney Cycling Network (WSCN) – established by Council, is a voluntary group of local cycling enthusiasts whose aim is to promote cycling and provide a bicycle recycling service to the community. 
• Council received part funding for a circuit path to be located in Adams Park, Canley Vale.  The park is located on the Orphan School Creek (Bay to Mts) cycleway and the circuit path links to the major cycleway.  The concept for the circuit path was in response to requests by the local seniors walking group for a safe area to walk and the local primary school (across the road) that has 15 bikes and a bike riding program.

Considerations

• At Fairfield City the development of our cycleway network has utilised state government partnerships and funds to deliver a highly used and valued community resource.  The network now attracts regular users and a number of Council projects have developed as a consequence.
• A number of community art projects have been installed along the cycleway that have created points of interest.  These have been achieved through funding from various agencies and partnerships with community artists, local schools, community organisations and Holroyd City Council.
• Fairfield City Council takes a multi-disciplined approach to the planning, construction, promotion and maintenance of the cycleway network.  Several different departments work on tasks that coordinate to manage the cycleway network.  The team includes the Recreation Planner, Landscape Designer, City Works Engineer, Bush Regeneration Officer and the Parks Operations Coordinator and when required the Road Safety Officer.
• The involvement of the community in creating artworks has been important for the development of social capital across the City.

Click here for more detailed information on the Fairfield Cycleways. 

Last updated on 12th June, 2009