A new park to help educate Gunnedah’s youngsters about road safety is now open. 

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the road safety park, funded through a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government, would enable children to learn about safe road use in a fun, purpose-built environment. 

“Stock Road pathway is an ideal location for the park because it is well-used by residents who enjoy walking and cycling, and complements the existing cycleway and outdoor fitness equipment,” Mr Anderson said.

 “The project further activates the open space on Stock Road; a key vision for the area identified in Council’s recently adopted Open Space Strategy which highlights cycling as a rising interest and popular recreational activity for children in regional areas.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new Learn To Ride park will help teach children the ins and outs of road safety while learning to ride their bike or scooter.

“This park provides a safe space for children to learn the principals of road rules in a controlled, traffic-free environment,” Mr Farraway said. 

“It features concrete paths with intersections, a roundabout, traffic islands and miniature road signs to mimic a real road environment.

“This new park will ensure our youngest citizens can develop their skills and build up their road safety awareness in a safe and fun environment.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the completion of the park was exciting news for families who love to spend time outdoors and it was a great addition to Gunnedah. 

“Off-road locations are a safe place for children to gradually develop their skills under the help and supervision of adults,” he said. 

“Parents and carers are reminded that wearing a helmet from the moment a child starts to ride will help develop lifelong habits and reduce the risk of head injuries greatly. 

“We hope this new addition to Stock Road will assist children to learn new skills and prepare them to become independent road users in the future.” 

To mark the opening of this safety feature in Gunnedah, Transport for NSW will be hosting a Children’s Bike Safety Pop-up at the new park (corner of Stock Road and Bridge Street) on Tuesday the 8th of November from 4pm to 5.30pm. 

Local children and their families are invited to come and try out the new space. There will be giveaways, helmet fitting demonstrations, and bicycle safety checks – adjusting seats, checking tyres and brakes and ensuring bicycles are safe to ride. 

Images of the park are available here.