The Heath Street Cycleway is about as good as a cycleway gets.
Heath Street is a crucial link in a six-part East-West regional cycleway that connects Canada Bay in Sydney’s inner west with the western suburbs. The Heath Street section was enabled by $7 million from the NSW Government. In addition, it is part of the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program, a collaboration between state agencies and local governments. Although it’s a beautiful and strategic bit of cycleway, Canada Bay Council (CBC) plans to remove it.
As good as it gets! Read our submission in Heath Street Cycleway
The route was chosen after a comprehensive engagement process. The cycleway expands the local bike network and provides a safe cycling environment for people of all ages and abilities. It aims to provide a convenient and comfortable route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Most importantly, the cycleway allows locals, particularly children, to safely ride to Timbrell Park in an area jammed with cars.
An overview of the Concord to Bay Cycleway connecting bicycle riders from Strathfield to the Inner West (Source: Canada Bay Council)
Good bicycle infrastructure attracts opposition
Unfortunately, some residents oppose the changes to Heath Street between Henley Marine Drive and First Avenue. They claim that conditions are now less safe due to reduced visibility of parked cars and driveways. But Bicycle NSW and Canada Bay BUG note that good bicycle infrastructure always attracts opposition. Moreover, a decision to remove the separated cycleway and paint bike symbols on the road will discourage the mode shift that CBC seeks in all its policies. Despite this, CBC commissioned a consultant's review in response to hostile sentiment against the Heath Street Cycleway. Although the review advised CBC to remove the cycleway, it offered zero evidence to substantiate the advice.
The cycleway improves safety for all road users
The main dispute relates to width. That is to say, the consultant claims that the street has become dangerously narrow as a result of the cycleway. But Canada Bay BUG’s measurements indicate a significant discrepancy in the consultant’s calculations. Even with the exaggerated claim of 8.6m, Heath Street is much wider than many of its neighbours. Indeed, all of the concerns surrounding width go away when traffic is calmed to 30 km/h. This would create an environment that allows CBC's active travel, climate and sustainability strategies to be realized.
Subsequently, we noticed that the report was removed from the CBC’s website.
The issue isn’t about safety. Overall safety is improved by separated infrastructure and speed reduction
Reduced speed limits and the creation of a quiet or yield street will create a calm environment that will encourage 70% of citizens to consider journeys by bike. This is in line with the best practice 'cycling segmentation' model which was developed in Portland USA. The model identifies the type and needs of different bike ride riders.
The real issue is one of communication. More work needs to be done to bring the wider community on board through a process of co-design. Not only do we encourage CBC to back its sound active transport and sustainability policies, we also advise hitting the pause button on any plans to rip up the cycleway.
The pause button
It takes significant time and money to build a good cycleway. Hence it is reasonable to consider all options. Especially given that it’s a $7 million state-funded partnership grant. We reckon that TfNSW may not like the idea of hurling good money into the wind during a cost of living crisis! Moreover, acting in haste invites increased pressure from opposition groups. Certainly, a rash decision will weaken CBC’s ability to realise streetscape upgrades in the future.
It is essential therefore to maintain the Heath Street Cycleway. It is a well-designed regional route providing safety, convenience and comfort to pedestrians and bike riders. With the advantages of time and help from Bicycle NSW, CBC has every opportunity to bring its constituents along for the journey. A fun, safe journey that ends in better streets for kids to ride down to the park on sports day.
You can read our submission here.
Join Bicycle NSW now! And join our campaign for Better Streets. Donate to the Environmental Trust which funds our advocacy campaigns for safer infrastructure.
