Path usage increases during COVID
City of Wodonga 10 Jun 2020

Walking and cycling have proven to be a great way for residents to get outside and enjoy some safe physical activity during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Automated counters installed on each of the city’s key walking and cycling corridors - the House Creek Trail, the High Country Rail Trail and the Stock Bridge leading to Albury -  have shown an average of 101 per cent increase in usage during the past two months compared to the same time last year.

Sport and Recreation Officer Ryan McNamara said many residents were enjoying Wodonga’s great network of walking and cycling paths, trails and cycleways.

"Our latest path counter data taken along the House Creek Trail and the High Country Rail Trail confirm what many of us had suspected during the COVID restrictions – more people than ever before are using our pathways for exercise and to escape the stresses of coronavirus restrictions," he said.

"During the months of March to May in particular while the full restrictions were in place, more than double the regular users were making use of sections of the trails while their gyms and sports clubs remained closed. 

"Helped by the newly sealed surface and furniture recently installed along the Rail Trail, average daily users increased by up to 171 per cent near Whytes Rd and 89 per cent closer in to the CBA, while the recent addition of solar lighting assisted the House Creek Trail daily usage to increase up to 177 per cent  out by Clyde Cameron Reserve."

Increase in path usage

House Creek Trail

Clyde Cameron counter: 177 per cent Les Stone counter: 80 per cent

High Country Rail Trail

Lawrence St counter: 89 per cent   Whytes Rd counter: 171 per cent Narrow Bridge counter: 124 per cent

Stock Bridge to Albury

Stock Bridge counter: 36 per cent