Proudly supported by the Donaldson Conservation Trust
David AtkinsonNewcastle Cycleways Movement
David Atkinson is a cyclist involved with Newcastle Cycleways Movement for 20 years and Richmond Vale Rail Trail for over 17 yrs. He returned to cycling at age 50 and particularly enjoys mountain biking and prefers cycle paths to the open road due in no small part to the inherent dangers of cycling on road (eg run off the road by idiots with texting addictions etc). He has a dual suspension Giant Trance 2 and a Specialised Tri-Cross Cyclo-Cross bike both with 27 speeds to make up for his age on big hills. Yes he needs more time in the saddle.
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Abstract
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail - a potted history, the beginnings and the environments traversed
The Richmond Vale Railway a potted history – from John Eales, J & A Browns to Baron John Browm to Coal & Allied et al.
The last steam train to haul coal on the line was on 15th October 1987.
The beginnings
Many mountain bike riders have used the disused RVRT rail corridor for many years prior to a cycling tourism conference Cessnock City Council where a rail trail was mooted by Daryl Stone and others. This formed the genesis of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail. The University of Newcastle and UTS carried out studies in the early 2000s and a dedicated group negotiated with Coal & Allied. Due to organisational and business changes the trail negotiations were diverted to the City of Newcastle who currently have carriage of the project.
The community group formed an incorporated association in August 2015 titled RVRT Inc and
Environments traversed
The trail traverses 16 distinct vegetation communities including Hexham swamp and the Pambalong nature reserve, Ramsar wetlands and bird habitats. Remnant rainforest and dry sclerophyll forests and riparian forests.
Due to the diverse and attractive environments to be encountered, the RVRT is a strategic asset for tourism, commuting and locals riding for pleasure. Access to the varied natural and built environments along the track and the value to the community and disabled access to some sections of the track.
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail - a potted history, the beginnings and the environments traversed
The Richmond Vale Railway a potted history – from John Eales, J & A Browns to Baron John Browm to Coal & Allied et al.
The last steam train to haul coal on the line was on 15th October 1987.
The beginnings
Many mountain bike riders have used the disused RVRT rail corridor for many years prior to a cycling tourism conference Cessnock City Council where a rail trail was mooted by Daryl Stone and others. This formed the genesis of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail. The University of Newcastle and UTS carried out studies in the early 2000s and a dedicated group negotiated with Coal & Allied. Due to organisational and business changes the trail negotiations were diverted to the City of Newcastle who currently have carriage of the project.
The community group formed an incorporated association in August 2015 titled RVRT Inc and
Environments traversed
The trail traverses 16 distinct vegetation communities including Hexham swamp and the Pambalong nature reserve, Ramsar wetlands and bird habitats. Remnant rainforest and dry sclerophyll forests and riparian forests.
Due to the diverse and attractive environments to be encountered, the RVRT is a strategic asset for tourism, commuting and locals riding for pleasure. Access to the varied natural and built environments along the track and the value to the community and disabled access to some sections of the track.
Presentation
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail - a potted history, the beginnings and the environments traversed
Presented on 27th September 2017 at the Active Transport: The Richmond Vale Rail Trail Conference (2017)
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