Crown Lands upgraded access to the popular pathway off Yallah Bay Road near the Tallawarra Power Station, to ensure safer use for walkers, runners and all types of cyclists.

Carpark bollards were in place to prevent motor vehicles driving onto the path and nearby grassed areas to protect public safety. However, tandem bicycles had difficulty accessing a narrow gap.

The bollards were replaced with a new design to allow safer bicycle access while still restricting vehicles. The path entry was widened and a dirt section paved to provide a better connection and safer ride between the carpark and shared pathway.

The $15,000 upgrade will assist Exsight Tandems Illawarra, a volunteer charity that provides tandem cycling for people who cannot ride solo. Exsight arranges a weekly roster of cyclists to ride with people who are blind, have low vision or other disabilities that restrict their riding.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This is a great outcome to support the fantastic work Exsight Tandems does to give vision impaired and other cyclists who can’t ride alone access to buddy rides.”

“When Exsight Tandems contacted me about the pathway, I contacted Crown Lands and Wollongong City Council straight away – I'm glad that we’ve been able to help deliver an upgrade that allows tandem cyclists to have equal access to cycleways around Lake Illawarra.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“This is a win-win that has more safely opened the path to tandem and other bicycles while still restricting motor vehicles to ensure safer recreation for pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities.”

“I’d particularly like to thank Joe Golab for the work he does for the Illawarra community and bringing this access issue to my attention.”

Exsight Tandems Illawarra member Joe Golab said:

“This significant improvement will make it easier for our members and also other cyclists to navigate the pathway.”