The lighting is a community project funded by the Dubbo Stampede Committee, the Macquarie Titan Mud Run Committee and Western Plains Regional Council.

The Stampede and the Mud Run committees donated $25,000 apiece for the installation of 51 lights along the track from Tamworth Street to Lady Cutler Oval.

Council’s manager landcare services Lynton Auld said the lights would increase the already high number of people using the track.

Not everyone could exercise when the sun was out, and the lights would provide the option for people to use Tracker Riley at other times of the day, Mr Auld said. 

“It’s quite dark along that corridor, which is good for the environment but doesn’t encourage recreation, which is a big part of what we are after,” he said.

“The lights increase the security and also the perception of security. If people are exercising in the dark they’re not quite as confident, they don’t feel quite as safe.”

Mr Auld said the lighting project would also help to deter criminal activity in the area.

“Council is aware of recurring incidents of vandalism to cars at the lower end of Tamworth Street and has responded by installing CCTV in the area,” Mr Auld said.

“The addition of CCTV is hoped to act as another deterrent but it is important for users of the cycleway to be vigilant about securing their cars and keeping valuable out of sight.”

Dubbo Stampede Committee treasurer Mark Gardener said the installation of the lights was a team effort, which the Stampede was proud to be a part of.

"We're all about encouraging people to be active, whether they're running, walking, pushing a pram,” he said.

Mr Auld said council was now looking for community support, to allow the project to be extended.

Community groups, businesses or individuals will be able to pay to have their name on the lights, thereby helping more to be erected.