THANKS FOR THIS FEEDBACK MJ
I have just (after many years ) re-read the BRC Bike Plan and make the following comment:
1. The Plan is now quite old, given has changed since it was written well done to those of you who envisioned this group and the opportunity to contribute to the Council’ s vision for the future in respect of cycling using this as a starting point;
2. I agree with Mark for the need for Hazard Reporting. The existing Plan mentions the danger of ‘roundabouts’ only once and ‘intersections’ a couple of times. It has the stated goal of “reducing traffic accidents”; but is silent on hazard reporting. Any new planning should include a mechanism for Hazard Reporting for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Arguably also for cars and other users e.g. trucks;
3. I found it difficult to distinguish (from the maps), dedicated shared pedestrian/cycleway paths from cycleways on the road shoulder. Although I seem to recall Bill and Griffo were doing some work in this space;
4. Safe cycling must be a Council priority, and where off-road cycleways are not possible, Council needs to address the risks associated with riding on the road (particularly roundabouts). Good signage, stencils on the road, green painted lanes, reduced road speed limits (in the CBD) could be options where on-road cycling is the only option.
5. Last year I cycled from Manly to Mona Vale which included sections of footpath which the local council designated as shared way between cyclists and pedestrians. I think they most likely did this as the roads were busy and dangerous for cyclists, and with bike stencils on the footpath and signage, cyclists were not going to be fined by the police for riding on the footpath. Obviously mutual courtesies and consideration of other users is required. In certain places it may also work in Bathurst;
6. I recall my time at TAFE when I had bike racks installed and made change rooms/showers available to students/ staff and actively encouraged riding to TAFE. Unfortunately there was minimal takeup with the feeling being that it was not safe to ride to campus during peak times;
7. The conversion of the levy bank network to cycleways is arguably an option. With connectivity created to allow safe navigation between the gaps, they may present a good safe option for families and be another attraction for cycle tourists;
8. Installation of bike racks at cafes would be great, but there usage is problematic if people don’t feel safe getting there. I think only Harvest at the VIC has racks at the moment.
