Recent Initiatives and Decisions
10 December 2010 - Overall Progress of City of Sydney Cycling Strategy
As can be seen (by reference to the report on the 29 November PDTC Meeting), a lot is happening.
CoS professionals are finding it difficult, due to the necessary attention to detail, to meet the set facilities implementation program and get the projects out to tender.
So - as for the 10 km separated cycleway almost all completed, the remaining 40 km will also come out a bit slower than that proposed early this year. The other 200 km of shared paths and other facilities are progressing OK.
Overall progress is really great with achievements despite on-going difficulties with State instrumentalities (RTA, STA & Energy Australia) and some private owner or corporate issues raised through consultation (mostly valid that need to be carefully addressed).
The detail matters!
However, forgive any implementation errors. But, do report any concerns that you notice using the BIKEast Facilities Defect Report form and email to me and to:
Fiona Campbell, Cycling Transport Planner CoS
Email: fcampbell@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
Major gateways to the CBD and Bourke Road have shown ridership increases of up around 150% for the spring. The saying 'build it and they will come' - that I've often used - happily, applies!
Adrian Boss
BIKEast representative
Cycling Advisory Committee
10 December 2010
2 December 2010 - Vulnerable Road Users (Inquiry)
This inquiry is a current Parliamentary inquiry conducted by the Staysafe (Road Safety) Committee. Following on from its recent inquiry into Pedestrian Safety, the Committee has resolved to conduct an inquiry into vulnerable road users, with particular regard to motorcycle and bicycle safety.
Vulnerable Road Users - Inquiry into Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety (Final Report)
29 November 2010 – Meeting of City of Sydney Planning Development & Transport Committee - Cycling Strategy Implementation Report
See PDFs of the report and high priority Regional Route map and BIKEast submission
Meeting was chaired by The Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP, with most Councillors present.
The Implementation report's recommendations and funding was adopted (subject to one additional recommendation)
BIKEast's submission led to that recommendation I recall it as
Requiring a report to identify coordination issues between the Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming projects for Villages and the Cycling Strategy projects; and
Copies of the Annexures A, B, C, D & E, may be obtained on the Council's web page, or by contacting
Adrian Boss 9363 9131; email adrianboss70@gmail.com
Adrian Boss
BIKEast representative
Cycling Advisory Committee
10 December 2010
3 November 2010 - Meeting of City of Sydney Cycling Advisory Committee
Refer to the Regional Network Map to identify the priority project routes and progress, as summarised, below.
Prime regional routes:
R1 - North Sydney to Edgecliff
Kent St section from underpass to King St was opened 13 Oct. RTA approval for Traffic Signal plans - completed. Stage 2 Druitt to Liverpool and Gas Lane to Argyle will be exhibited, with some face-to-face consultation to be addressed due to Loading Dock problems with Scoping Report cleared to 6 Dec Council meeting.
The King Street extension from Clarence to Macquarie St traffic signal modelling has commenced and site investigations are completed through Central Sydney.
R2 - City Centre to Mascot
College St to Bourke Road, serving major hubs site investigations are continuing. Reconstruction of boundary along Hyde Park north is scheduled for completion by end of November. Alignment options and traffic signal modelling along Wentworth Ave - Oxford to Elizabeth, has commenced.
Class action on Bourke Road is abandoned.
Bourke St Stage 2 - openings for William through to Foveaux and Boronia to Maddison expected before end of year. Temporary one-way traffic in place to reduce parking loss during construction.
Bourke St Stage 3 from Phillip to Bourke Rd, is still under investigation to see whether a road based option is possible, together with pedestrian improvements through 3 signalised intersection to Green Sq., incl., measures to avoid busy bus stop at Danks St.
R4 - Rozelle to UNSW
Union St opened since September. Need to have a bicycle inside the magnetic field to activate signals.
Flinders Street between Taylor Sq & Moore Park/Anzac Pde (still under investigation).
Victoria Rd (within Leichhardt LGA) is being upgraded as part of the Bus-way system with wider shared path access and new replacement of narrow footbridge over Victoria Rd. The shared path work is well advanced.
R9 - Sydney Park to Centennial Park
Feasibility studies still under way, although largely existing.
R11 - Johnstons Canal to City South
Johnstons Canal Scoping report prepared for 15 Nov Council meeting; tender target for May 2011. St Johns Road concept design completed, but project will be delayed to allow Energy Australia to install and upgrade high voltage works.
Southern Boundary: Gardeners Road's northern side is being developed as a shared path. Necessary ramps and footpath repairs have been started. Blue line footpath marking will soon proceed.
R6 - Leichhardt to Perry Park
Missenden Rd: Shared path design has now satisfied STA (Sydney Buses) concerns for preparation of tender documents; tender target Mar 2011; construction mid 2011. These will include Lyons Rd link.
R10 - Newtown to Bondi Junction
Investigation under way; feasibility study still to come.
Shared paths
Positive feedback from public on blue line marking in Redfern Park.
Implementation for College St and Bourke St projects proceeding.
Civil works at Edmund Resch Park will be completed in early Nov, with painted chicanes and installation of line marking.
Forward Planning & Cycleway Design Study
Feasibility study for George Street, Redfern underway, which will look at three feeder links e.g. at/around Alfred Park
Cross sectional prototypes being tested to find alternatives to Bourke St cross-sectional models (cheaper to build).
Parking and end of trip facilities
Town Hall House facilities development application being finalised.
CoS web page has a site for anyone to request a new bike parking location. Go to Bike Parking.
Cycling counts
Second round of 100 intersection counts done, showing overall, 33% growth from September to October.
GIS data will be published.
Permanent electronic counters to be put in place out to tender.
Education and Marketing
New cycling web site still under development, but 1400 Facebook fans, so far registered as friends.
The Cycling Network flyer released has good information and a copy of the City's 'Live Green Cycling Map' is now available. Download or order copy by phoning 9265 9333.
Ride2Work day breakfast had over 3000, compared with 1700 last year. Many pro-cycling companies participated, including Westpac, Telstra, Google, NRMA, ANZ and many more.
Concern that other Councils are 'dropping the ball' (not providing/voting funds).
NSW Govt Spring Cycle had 130 CoS staff registered with Clr McInerney accepting largest team award.
A behaviour change strategy proposal going to Council's Planning & Policy Sub Committee 29 Nov.
Time Out Magazine cycling series - Sep issue Art & About ride; Oct - Riding to Work, Park to Park ride; Nov - Sydney Bike Film Festival, Sydney Food ride.
Many events with cycling presence - link is on the CoS Cycling web page.
Buy Local Campaign has objective to drive footfall to local businesses directly impacted by cycleway construction; Union St & Bourke St, with 55% up-take and 2000 entries.
Roger Geller & Bike Futures: RG presented Portland USA experience to friends 12 Oct; Lord Mayor presented at the Bike Futures Conference in Melbourne.
Onsite Safety Messaging: targets pedestrians, riders and motorists, with key focus on pedestrian crossing of cycleways, behaviour on shared paths and law abiding bike riders.
Cycling Courses: Booked out well into next year; cycling confidence 574+; maintenance courses 426+; corporate courses now running; children's courses now available; Sydney Uni runs courses; Working with Council on the Aging - courses for older people.
General business
Send parking requests to CoS site link above.
Next meeting: In 2011 TBD.
Adrian Boss
BIKEast representative
Cycling Advisory Committee
10 December 2010
19 August 2010 - Meeting of City of Sydney Cycling Advisory Committee
Refer to Minutes of 9 June meeting - attached
Refer to the Regional Network Map.
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Prime regional routes:
R1 - North Sydney to Edgecliff
Kent St is progressing well with the shared path underpass connection with the Bradfield Hwy now completed. Works for the rest of the route are progressing well.
The College St to Park part of the route was delayed due to retaining wall collapse. The wall is now competed.
The design of the King Street extension from Clarence to Macquarie St needs to await signals modelling through Central Sydney, which work has been commissioned.
R2 - City Centre to Mascot
College St bicycle-road between Whitlam Sq and Park should be opened soon
Bourke Rd is open with users, but subject to a Class action(?!)
R4 - Rozelle to UNSW
Union St completed except for some traffic signals that need to be activated
Flinders Street between Taylor Sq & Moore Park/Anzac Pde (still under investigation)
Victoria Rd (within Leichhardt LGA) is being upgraded as part of the Bus-way system with wider shared path access and new replacement of narrow footbridge over Victoria Rd. The shared path work is well advanced
R9 - Sydney Park to Centennial Park
Feasibility studies under way
Shared path template - blue line and related pavement signs - being tested in Redfern Oval along park.
R11 - Johnson Canal to City South
Shared path along canal; design 60% completed. However, St Johns Road will need to be put on hold until after Energy Australia has replaced cables
Southern Boundary: Gardiners Road's northern side is being developed as a shared path. Necessary ramps and footpath repairs have been started. Blue line footpath marking will await outcome of Redfern Oval test
R6 - Leichhardt to Perry Park
Missenden Rd: Shared path design has now satisfied STA concerns
R10 - Newtown to Bondi Junction
Investigation under way. Issue of bridge across Anzac Pde in line with Gregory Street raised (RTA missing link priority proposal under State NSW BikePlan).
Network gaps & contra-flow lanes
Gaps and the provision of contra-low lanes within the CBD, under investigation
Shared paths
Recent survey reveals pedestrians would like to be 'belled'.
Once test of blue-line has proven successful, an appropriate information and promotion program will be commenced.
Cycleway design
Current range of designs is being independently reviewed.
Parking and end of trip facilities
500 'O' parking rings mounted.
CoS web page has a site for anyone to request a new bike parking location. Go to Bike Parking
City Rail has now installed bike parking cages and parking rings at Redfern Station
Staff bike parking, shower and change facilities are to be installed at Town Hall House
Education and Marketing
New cycling web site now up
The Cycling Network flyer released has good information and a copy of the City's 'Live Green Cycling Map' is now available. Download or order copy by phoning 9265 9333
The Cycling banner campaign will end at the end of August
City's Cycling Facebook page? also set up
Galaxy Research commissioned by the city to survey 500 residents
Some key findings:
84% agreed cycling was a good idea
75% agreed building a cycleways network was very important
73% of 18-30 years old said they would take up cycling
A behaviour change strategy was being prepared
Review of international case studies of promotion and education completed
Events link is on the CoS Cycling web page
Cycling courses has now trained 500; the maintenance course 325 persons. More courses will be run
General business
BNSW's Ride2School program has now registered 500 schools, with 2,000 kids addressed and participating in Coffs Harbour alone.
Bike parking rack and cages design competition is being run by the Power House Museum
Next meeting: 3rd November 2010
Adrian Boss
BIKEast representative
Cycling Advisory Committee
1 September 2010
4 June 2010 - Meeting of City of Sydney Cycling Advisory Committee
Attached is the Regional Network Map.
Priorities and implementation progress are summarised below.
The City has decided, after 'flack' about the Bourke Rd facility, works needed to be put into context - connecting Sydney City and its places with its residential and surrounding neighbouring local government areas.
Prime regional routes:
- R1 - North Sydney to Edgecliff
Kent St is progressing well with the underpass connection with the Bradfield Hwy shared path now almost completed (see attached JPEG).
The underpass is now open, but the more direct crossing awaits new lights.
King St is the only viable east-west link and design is progressing.
College St to Park is delayed due to retaining wall collapse (unrelated mishap). - R2 - City Centre to Mascot
College St bicycle-road between Whitlam Sq and Park should be opened late June.
Designs for George St (Redfern) for bi-directional bicycle-road well advanced.
Bourke Rd is open with user stats:
- 250 peak; 49% increase in 3 months; now 1 cyclist/minute
- survey reveals - 6,000 car parking spaces (on & off street) in areas up to a block deep either side, for 7,000 employees, with 284 kerbside parking spaces lost (See video)
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/Default.asp - R4 - Rozelle to UNSW
Anzac - Pyrmont Bridge link, Including Union St, almost completed.
Flinders Street between Taylor Sq & Moore Park/Anzac Pde (under investigation).
Victoria Rd (in Leichhardt LGA) is being upgraded as part of the Bus-way system with wider shared path access and new replacement of narrow footbridge over Victoria Rd. - R9 - Sydney Park to Centennial Park
(under investigation)
Shared path template being tested. - R11 - Johnson Canal to City South
Shared path along canal under design (mid-section in Leichhardt LGA under investigation) - Southern Boundary: Gardiners Road's northern side is being developed as a shared path to ensure that cyclists may reach the two existing regional and local routes northward, safely. Necessary ramps and footpath repairs to be started soon.
- R6 - Leichhardt to Perry Park
Missenden Rd: Shared path design and traffic light crossing modelled.
Modelling is to be used to convince Prince Alfred Hospital that pedestrians and cyclists may successfully and safely use the proposed facilities. (See attached JPEG)
The STA has test run bus lane widths and now insists that for safe operation adjacent to parking lane, that 3.25 m lane width is minimum (This means that in a normal 12.8 m road width, 2.0 m parking lane one side and 400 mm separation island between road traffic and cycleway that the bicycle road width would be 100 mm below standard! This is problematic.) - R10 - Newtown to Bondi Junction
Investigation under way.
At the eastern end through Edmund Resch Park, the new shared path signage will be installed by end of June as one of several test cases.
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Bourke Street/Road
- Stage 1 - Woolloomooloo to William St
This will be opened in late June.
Local promotion is proposed.
A flyer will be dropped with all households in the affected basin to inform them of the drainage works, footpath up-grade, new bus-shelters, landscaping, including rain-gardens fed by stormwater and of the bi-directional cycleway.
Signals across William Street are now completed and will shortly be commissioned. - Stage 2 - Phillip St to Cleveland St construction almost completed.
One-way traffic was introduced during construction and will apply north of Cleveland St.
Small Projects
- Network gaps in Erskineville are being addressed.
- Some contra-flow lanes in the CBD are under investigation.
Shared Paths
- A program of Pram-ramps along routes is progressing.
- Blue-line marking trials are about to begin (contract let) and large new logos are also to be trialled (adjacent to Redfern Park and at ends of College Street cycleway.
- Cyclists and pedestrian users will subsequently be interviewed.
Behaviour change
- Strategy is about to commence.
- Material for strategy is being tested by a small community reference working group.
- Events have attracted highly favourable response to the bicycle proposals.
- A 'Generic' Bike Network Flyer is about to be launched.
- A radio program is proposed - 'Sydney needs cycleways'.
- Courses will be re-started, but focus on selected localities.
AECOM's Report
- The economic evaluation of the proposed Inner Region Bicycle Network received very prominent coverage.
Adrian Boss
BIKEast representative
Cycling Advisory Committee
5 June 2010
Draft on Exhibition - Woollahra Bicycle Strategy and Review of Woollahra Bike Plan (2000)
Please see this draft Strategy and make an urgent submission.
Consider commenting on what you like and wish to see as priority actions for implementation and supporting early finalisation of the Strategy and the adoption of a revised Bike Plan.
It is very important we get many supporting submissions because the Strategy is facing considerable opposition among some Councillors.
Written submissions in relation to this Bicycle Strategy may be lodged by 4.30pm, Thursday 24 September 2009.
Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, PO Box 61, Double Bay NSW 1360, or faxed to 9391 7044, or emailed to records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
For access to the background and a copy of the Plan, visit http://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/council/public_notices/list/woollahra_bicycle_strategy_-and-_review
Adrian Boss
Woollahra Coordinator - BIKEast
8 September 2009
Woollahra's draft Bicycle Strategy & Bike Plan 2000 Review
In July, the Woollahra Bike Plan Working Party (on which BIKEast & BNSW are represented), considered a draft of Woollahra's Bicycle Strategy & Bike Plan 2000. It recommended that the draft be exhibited. At its meeting held Monday 10 August, Community & Environment Committee referred the question whether to exhibit or not to the full Council, as several Councillors wished to debate safety and other concerns. The Councillors will be considering whether or not to exhibit this draft document at their next meeting 24 August 2009. It is important to make this draft document public and exhibit it to allow public consideration and submissions to be made.
Please support BIKEast by attending Council meetings to make sure that the wider community's interests in bicycling are taken seriously by Councillors, many of whom are opposed to undertaking further initiatives at all. One Councillor moved to prevent its exhibition and some Councillors are opposed to continuing development of bicycle facilities and services. Indeed, the Council suspended implementation of its adopted Bike Plan last year (despite gaining some RTA funding for projects - since lost). Many councillors are very concerned about safety and seem unconvinced that Council's efforts are worthwhile or even beneficial. Probably a majority of Councillors are presently opposed to 'shared path' use.
The above mentioned Strategy addresses the safety issues, priorities and the many benefits to be gained in implementing the Bike Plan. Bike Plan 2000 has about half its route network developed. But this means many missing links in the network, particularly along and across main roads. Shared paths have been listed for implementation in the long-term. This will provide time to address the safety issues, assess cyclist behaviour on existing shared paths and investigate other options, particularly with the RTA. (Also, the experience with use of the City of Sydney's many proposed shared paths, which will be implemented over the next 3 - 4 years will help the case for using these)
Nevertheless, BIKEast has a concern that a majority of Councillors may not support pursuit of actions proposed under the Strategy, even if sufficient support is gained to exhibit it. This means, keeping a careful watch over its progress and lobbying Councillors at every stage.
Make your views known
Please also consider responding thoughtfully by writing, in you own words ASAP, to the Mayor (Councillor Andrew Petrie) or one or all of the Councillors in your Ward, requesting support for exhibition, finalisation and adoption of the proposed Strategy.
http://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/council/mayor_and_councilors/profiles
Email the Mayor of Woollahra, at andrew.petrie@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Adrian Boss
Woollahra Coordinator - BIKEast
13 August 2009
Safe Crossing Link Between Paddington And Rushcutters Bay Park
The Roads and Traffic Authority has decided to fund and provide a traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing of New South Head Road at Neild Avenue to reach Rushcutters Bay Park. This will safely connect Paddington with that Park and beyond. It is understood that it is scheduled for the current financial year (this needs to be confirmed).
Under the Woollahra Bike Plan this is a missing bicycling connection. Therefore bike riding this crossing should be considered as part of finalising the crossing design and traffic controls.
This RTA decision has followed years of representations and participation in workshops by BIKEast representatives (and other community groups like The Paddington Society), Woollahra Council and through the support and representations made to the NSW Government by the Member for Sydney, Clover Moore MP, Lord Mayor of Sydney.
The crossing will link up proposed bicycle facilities along Neild Avenue (Route 11) across New South Head Road to the existing shared path that runs through the park (Route 12) and with the major proposed east-west facility (Route 2) connecting the north-eastern parts of Woollahra LGA with the City of Sydney, which facility is to somehow run parallel to this State road. No designs for the proposed facilities have been prepared.
It is now essential that the design of the crossing and the proposed bicycle facility along Neild Avenue be fully considered by the two Councils and the RTA. The location, if not the final design, of the section of Route 2 parallel to the park connecting up with the City of Sydney's Bicycling Strategy and Action Plan paired routes (down Kings Cross Road and up Craigend Street) should also be considered and agreed to ensure a fit with the new crossing.
A timely submission for consideration and resolution through Woollahra Council's Bicycle Working Party, its Traffic Committee and the Council, in consultation with the RTA and the City of Sydney, is required.
Submitted for discussion at the proposed 18 October 2008 Bike Plan Working Party meeting.
Adrian Boss
Woollahra Coordinator – BIKEast
4 November 2008