Even COVID-19 has a silver lining
COVID-19 has changed our lives. Social distancing and semi-lockdowns have become the norm but there are other social changes occurring that are beneficial.
Cycle paths and rail trails are now busier than normal because those stuck at home have realised that they need to keep fit somehow and cycling is a great way to do it. Old bikes have been dusted off, new bikes have been purchased and the whole family has hit the rail trail together.
Bike shops around Australia have been booming with sales of new bikes, repairs to old bikes and the purchase of cycling accessories and apparel. One bike retailer noted that sales were better than the Christmas peak and that he expected it to continue for many months.
The Riesling Trail in South Australia has counters at multiple locations along its length which have been in operation for several years. The counts for April showed a decline of 21% compared last year. That’s not bad considering that there were no numbers associated with Easter and school holidays, local tourist events and a half marathon on the trail. The rail trail usage in April was all local people utilising the rail trail, proving that is much more than a valuable tourism asset. Social distancing was evident but waves and smiles as you passed while riding have never felt this good.
The silver lining in this difficult time is that families have time to enjoy activities together, they have rediscovered cycling and they are exploring their local rail trails. Sometimes we need a jolt to make us focus on the things in life that really matter. COVID-19 will eventually be controlled and life will return to some form of normality but the growth in cycling and the desire to discover more rail trails will continue.
Visit your local Riesling and Rattler Rail Trails when you have a free day or two, you will enjoy the freedom and the fresh air. If not lucky enough to be local, plan for a visit when restrictions are lifted!
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NSW Rail Trails Forum
17/04/21
More News
A perennial problem for advocates of new rail trail developments and management committees looking for data to use in pr...
Gympie Regional Council has advised that the low level bridge over a perennial water crossing on the Kilkivan to Kingaro...
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is growing bigger with the announcement today from the Federal MP Kevin Hogan of the allo...
In 2014 the Colac Otway Shire completed investigations into the feasibility and construction of the ‘Tiger Rail Trail ...
The opening of the Dawes Range section of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail in Central Queensland on 11 September 2021...
The Hon David Spiers MP and the Hon Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP, with assistance from the Mayor Philip Heaslip of Mount R...
Walkers and cyclists heading out on Victoria’s popular Warburton Rail Trail will have a safer route from Lilydale Rail...
Moyne Shire has released a draft bicycle strategy for Port Fairy in Victoria’s western district. The strategy pr...
Rail Trails Australia is proud to announce the launch of our new dynamic website. We have been diligently working on thi...
Rail Trails Australia is very pleased to announce that after 14 years the spiral bound, hardcopy “Rail Trails of V...
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Inc Group are excited to invite you to the Official Opening of the Kalpowar to Buily...
Wagga Wagga City Council voted unanimously on 26 July to give in-principle support for the development of rail trails in...
Sometimes it requires innovative ideas to achieve your objective – and this is certainly true of the currrent exte...
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On Monday 26 July, Wagga Wagga City Council (in NSW) will vote on a motion to give in-principle support for the developm...
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