Lavender Cycling Trail signage project completed
A 300-kilometre cycling trail between Murray Bridge and Clare has been signposted thanks to 50 volunteers.
Two years ago, South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated embarked on a project to provide signage along the Lavender Cycling Trail.
The project has now been completed by more than 50 volunteers on the 300-kilometre stretch of track between Murray Bridge and Clare.
Volunteers contributed a total of 2330 hours over 18 months.
Between July 2023 and December 2024, SARTI organised the volunteers into teams of between two and 12 to work on the project, travelling from south to north.
In addition to this, volunteers were able to assist by attending working bees to prepare materials at SARTI's home base at Wynn Vale.
Beside the way-marking, another aspect that has contributed to improved navigation along the trail has been the updating of three Lavender Federation Walking Trail heads.
Springton, Eden Valley and Monarto now include more information about the Lavender Cycling Trail.
Volunteers painted and installed multiple signs along the Lavender Cycling Trail. Photos: SARTI.
The project was completed with the help of grants from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, the Mid Murray Council and the Rural City of Murray
Bridge.
To help get more accurate feedback about how much the trail is being used, two Traker electronic counters have been installed: one in the Murray Bridge region and another in Clare.
With the help of the ORSR grant, a picnic table was installed at the Old Rockleigh Schoolhouse, improving the amenity of a very popular stopping and camping place along the trail.
All of the initiatives completed under this project have encouraged increased participation and confidence in the Lavender Cycling Trail as well as enhancing safety and enjoyment.
The new trailhead at Monarto and picnic table at the Old Rockleigh Schoolhouse can now be enjoyed by all. Photos: SARTI.
SARTI records show that 762 cyclists enjoyed participating in known organised day events along the trial last year.
In addition to this, the tracker placed 10km from Murray Bridge indicates
an average of 278 users of the Lavender Trails per month, or 3336 users per year, half of whom are estimated to be cyclists.
The trail was constructed because of the demand by cyclists for a trail that mirrored the original 325km-long Lavender Federation Trail, designed primarily for walkers.
