Central Coast Council has started an assessment of the region’s 1,000 kilometre network of footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways.

Quad bike style vehicles will be used to capture video imaging of every Central Coast pathway to assess current condition and inform renewal strategies to improve connectivity, mobility and safety.

Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the region-wide assessment was part of Council’s commitment to the ongoing maintenance, improvement and development of the Central Coast’s pathways.

“We are essentially taking a condition snapshot of every footpath, bike path and shared pathway on the Coast,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“This is a huge project but with the use of the quad bikes we plan to complete the process in approximately four weeks.

“Our region’s pathway network is a top priority for our community and this assessment will help to inform our ongoing renewal program.

“This region-wide audit follows the finalisation of the first Bike Plan and Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) for the Central Coast, which focuses on new footpath, bike path and shared pathway projects for the Coast over the next 10 years.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the region-wide assessment is a further demonstration of Council’s commitment to the development and maintenance of an outstanding pathway network for the Central Coast.

“With a region as large and beautiful as ours, pathways are important for so many reasons – as part of our transport network, as a means to get fit and active and to boost tourism,” Mayor Matthews said.

“It is no small task to take capture video footage of every pathway on the Coast and the information we capture will be vital in helping us to target and plan our pathway renewal program.”

The quad bike style assessment vehicles are fitted with cameras focused on the pathway surface only – no recordings of pedestrians, commercial, residential, private property or structures will be taken.

Vehicles are operated by certified inspectors and will travel at a brisk walking pace with hazard lights and other warning devices in operation. Drivers will give way to the needs of pedestrians where ever possible but community members are encouraged to take extra care when the vehicles are assessing their area.

The review of our pathway network will take approximately four weeks to complete and Council thanks community members for their cooperation during this important exercise.

An interactive map of all of Councils pathway and road projects can be explored by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects