The lanes will run from the intersection of Jackson and Hincks Avenues and Forsyth and Farrell Streets.

Also planned is a two way lane on the southern side of Broadbent Terrace from Dunstone Street to Frick Street.

When completed the Whyalla ‘Copenhagen lanes’ will be the longest dedicated pathway in regional Australia.

A detailed break-down of expenditure isn’t available as the allocation is wrapped up in general maintenance, however according to Councillor Bruce Ledo “it is certainly in the budget for this year.”

Mr Ledo has used a bicycle to commute for the past 30 years, 20 of those in Whyalla, and whilst he believes Whyalla to be one of the safest places to cycle, he believed there is need for improvement.

“My main use of the bike is to commute, we have made some good moves in Whyalla for the lycra set, but that’s not what I’m concerned about,” he said.

“I’m concerned about the kids who ride to school and the parents who ride with them.

“We need off road lanes, we can’t put kids out there, who aren’t able to weave in and out of traffic and increasingly people are telling me they’ve put the car away because they can’t afford to drive anymore.”

Mr Ledo, who is also trying to set up a Bicycle Users Group (BUG) for Whyalla’s cyclists, said he isn’t sure how many people cycle in Whyalla but is sure the number is rising with the cost of fuel, and will continue to rise if there is suitable cycling infrastructure in place.

“It needs to be done right so we don’t lose the good will we have here between motorists and cyclists,” he said.