Walkers and cyclists in Canberra are set to benefit from a $9 million injection of funds for seven new walking and cycling infrastructure projects, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Simon Corbell, announced today.

"These projects have been identified in a review that looked at ways to improve the ACT's walking and cycling networks between town and employment centres," Mr Corbell said.

"A working group, which includes representatives from key cycling and walking groups, provided advice to the Government on projects that should be funded in this round of infrastructure upgrades.

"Having a good network of bike and walking paths is crucial to encourage more Canberrans to consider using alternative modes of transport."

The funded projects include:

The City cycle loop;
Kings Avenue on-road cycle lane and off-road cycle path improvements;
accessibility improvements to walking infrastructure in the main town centres (Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin) benefitting visually and mobility impaired people; and
interim off-road footpath improvements at Kingston Foreshore;
further examination of converting sections of Bunda Street in the City and Hibberson Street in Gungahlin to ‘shared spaces' of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers;
construction of a missing link between the shared paths along Tuggeranong Parkway and Melrose Drive near Chifley and,
the provision of cycling facilities along both sides of Yamba Drive between Yarra Glen and The Canberra Hospital.

Mr Corbell said the ACT Government recognised the importance of improving walking and cycling connections in order to achieve a more sustainable transport system across the ACT.

"To ensure the Government continues to improve walking and cycling facilities to meet the needs of the community, an annual survey of pedestrians and cyclists will take place in each of the Town Centres as part of this program," Mr Corbell said.

"The ACT Government aims to increase walking and cycling to make up 14% of all journeys to work by 2026 and these projects will be crucial in meeting this objective."

The final Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Report is available online at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/