With exercise one of the only "reasonable excuses" to leave the house during the COVID-19 shutdown, Shellharbour council says some public spaces have become more crowded.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said there were much higher traffic volumes on walking and cycling paths, with people looking for allowable and safe ways to escape their homes.
"A lot of people are home all day, and we do encourage them to get out of their house because fresh air is really good for you," she said. "I've seen a lot more more people out riding bikes than ever."
Cr Saliba said she was pleased to see so many residents maintaining active lifestyles during this difficult time, and said for the most part she had witnessed people being careful.
"Because there's a lot more people out I think they are much more mindful and considerate. They give way, they slow down - and they also seem to be saying hello to one and another more," she said
However, she said that with higher traffic volumes it was essential that residents worked together to create a safe environment.
She said this was especially important for serious bike riders, who may be experiencing quite different riding conditions.
"I understand that in peak traffic times maintaining social distancing on our pathways may be difficult, but with patience and by paying attention to your surroundings, we can all enjoy the paths safely," Cr Saliba said.
"Remember to keep to the left and if you need to overtake someone, keep at least one and a half meters away. If you are with another person, you may need to walk in single file.
"If you are on a bike, make sure you alert people to the fact that you are overtaking so they have time to move to the edge of the path."
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Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
