Attention: Tom O’Hanlon, Director Technical Services
Woollahra Municipal Council
Re: Shared Path design – New South Head Road (Route A2)
Aurelio Lindaya and/or Steve Calderon would have briefed you about the meeting with BIKEast two months ago where the proposal for a shared path for parts of New South Head Road was discussed.
Route A2 is an important route connecting east and west, where no alternative to following the Main Road is available.
In regard to shared path design BIKEast now wishes to refer to the recently released publication by the Centre for Road Safety, TfNSW:Shared paths – Discussion of research findings and key safety issues Aug 2015 (attached).
Designing for the separation of pedestrians and riders as well as cyclists from high volume motor traffic were key matters raised at the meeting. The issue is the need to fully consider vulnerable parties relative to existing and future activities under the Woollahra Bicycle Strategy 2009, but in context with what is happening elsewhere in Sydney, also relevant. The designs should assess risks relative to numbers, but without removing incentives for responsible and aware behaviour by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, alike. The ideas behind “Every Street a Cycling Street” apply.
The high number of pedestrians promenading along Rose Bay, particularly at weekends when lower recreational rider skill may also be a factor and the schools’ related pedestrian traffic when cycling commuters will also be increasingly prevalent, means that as much separation as possible should be achieved. The inclines to Point Piper are a factor where riders are likely to travel with some speed, down hill.
Along Rose Bay Promenade the original design for an on-road cycleway facility should again be considered with RMS. There is spare space on-road along most of the bay-front. BIKEast also suggests that the car parking bays could be restricted for parking by persons requiring access due to disabilities and the number of bays reduced to better accommodate the two bus stops and for riding around them. Some re-landscaping and loss of on street parking is thus implied.
The connections and continuance of Route A2 between Double Bay and Rose Bay shopping centres, particularly at and to William Street and Newcastle Street will also need design attention at the same time. The location or possible relocation of some bus stops should also be considered and special arrangements made along property frontages, such as at the The Boutique Boat Company/Rose Bay Pier and where residential walls with gates are immediately adjacent (i.e. to the existing footpath) obscuring entering persons and riders from each other.
An example of a successful shared path arrangement of the type BIKEast has in mind, is the Bay Run around Iron Cove.
As Council is aware, BIKEast is keen to develop a Ride to School program in cooperation with schools and the support of the Council. That relies on a safe and family-friendly facility being developed here as soon as possible.
Submitted as a follow up with reference to the attached publication.
Frank Dreyer
BIKEast – Woollahra Coordinator
