Pittwater Life January 2018 Issue

News
Shared path safety questioned
The State Government’s
announcement of a $3
million shared walking
and cycling pathway to link
Avalon Beach with Newport
around the Bilgola Bends has
met with measured support
from the cycling specialist
appointed to the Northern
Beaches Council’s Local
Traffic Committee.
Local MP Rob Stokes
announced Council will
manage the construction of
the new shared path which will
become a key component of
the Northern Beaches Coastal
Walkway and Cycleway.
The new path will include
an off-road boardwalk section
along the Bilgola Bends
between Newport Beach and
The Serpentine to safely allow
cyclists and walkers to travel
along this area, separated
from vehicles (see artist's
impression).
Council’s Traffic
Committee’s cycling
representative Owen Dunne
said shared paths, which
provide access for pedestrians
and the occasional cyclist,
were a step forward in
assisting families and the
beginner or occasional cyclist
to utilise a shared cycle-path –
providing riding speeds were
less than 10km/h.
“However, this is not
a solution for the bulk
of cyclists and cyclingcommuters
as well as
pedestrians, as a shared path
is not a safe option for either
the pedestrian or the cyclist,”
he warned.
“I am still looking forward
to a viable solution for
cyclists and cycle-commuting
that fully addresses all the
needs of cyclists to utilise
a designated cycle zone to
provide much-needed and
safe cycling access between
Avalon and Newport.”
Newport Residents
Association (NRA) President
Gavin Butler said the
association welcomed
the move to link three
of Pittwater’s iconic surf
beaches.
He added: “We now look
forward to improvements
from Newport south,
especially the lack of walkway
around the Bungan headland
by using Bungan Head Reserve
through to Bungan Beach.”
Mr Stokes said the new path
would become a spectacular
part of the new Coastal
Walkway and Cycleway and
prove hugely beneficial for
local residents.
“There isn’t currently an
easy or convenient way to
travel between these areas
without using a vehicle,”
Mr Stokes said. “The new
path will link communities,
encourage people to get active
and to leave their cars at
home.” – Nigel Wall
10 JANUARY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991