Bike paths should 'go all the way', says user group
The Central Coast Bicycle Users Group has called on Central Coast Council to ensure bicycle paths on the Peninsula go "all the way to useful destinations".
Group president Mr Alan Corven said the Peninsula was luckier than some area in having some paths and on-road lanes.
"However, these tend to be more suitable for recreation rather than for transport as they stop short of taking you all the way to useful destinations and are not always using the most direct route."
Mr Corven said he would like to see paths going all the way to Woy Woy station and into shopping centres.
Commenting on the Blackwall Rd intersection upgrade plans, Mr Corven said that more and faster roads did not result in better outcomes.
"It just facilitates more cars on the roads and moving the bottlenecks to another place further on.
"We need to be encouraging more people out of their cars and onto their feet, bicycles or buses.
"Slowing motor vehicle traffic is very important for pedestrian and bicycle rider safety.
"It is disappointing when new infrastructure does not adequately provide for bicycles and pedestrians, or doesn't provide anything at all."
Mr Corven gave the example of the new roundabout at the corner of Maitland Bay Dr and Picnic Pde.
"It has bicycle treatment on one side and nothing on the other.
"Roundabouts can be very tricky for inexperienced bicycle riders to navigate, often exposing them to additional risks.
"New infrastructure is the perfect opportunity, and cheapest time, to include such requirements."
Mr Corven also said more green space was needed on the Peninsula.
"For many reasons, we need more green spaces and trees: to help tackle climate change and provide cooler places for people to rest and pass through, walking and cycling.
"As more properties are redeveloped to higher density, we need more small local green spaces for those people to enjoy.
"Better to sell existing developed land for redevelopment (low to higher density) rather than selling green spaces."
Mr Corven said better maintenance of existing infrastructure was needed, as well as some new routes.
"A shared bicycle path should be investigated west of Ocean Beach Rd from Umina to Woy Woy - maybe using the old dunny lanes."
He said the group had put in a submission for the DCP/LEP to include a requirement for change and shower facilities in all new workplace developments.
SOURCE:
Media statement, 28 Apr 2021
Alan Corven, CCBUG