Woolgoolga will be home to the region’s first two-way protected bicycle lane

The region’s first protected on-road bike lane is to be installed shortly as state government challenges council to get creative

Soon Woolgoolga will have a bike lane similar to this one in Surry Hills. The City of Sydney turned this former bus lane into a bike lane in a bid to get more commuters on bikes and off public transport. Picture: Toby Zerna

Woolgoolga will emulate some of the world’s great cycling cities by trialling a new bike lane, the first of its kind on the Coffs Coast.

The two-way on-road bike lane will be protected from traffic and is an example of the type of cycling infrastructure seen in major metropolitan cities the world over.

Coffs Harbour City Council has announced construction on the new bike lane, which will run from Solitary Islands Way to Wharf St along Clarence and Beach Streets, will commence at the end of July.

The work will impact existing parking along the streets angled parking in some areas being removed and replaced with parallel parking to accommodate the new lanes. The parallel parking will also be shifted closer to the centre of the road.

“This pilot project forms part of a key cycling link between West Woolgoolga and the town centre and will help us see how well this type of bike lane can help both children and adults cycle to school, to work, to the beach and town centre,” said Council’s Director Sustainable Infrastructure Mick Raby.

“Not only will it offer an alternative way of moving around, but it will help improve overall road safety in the town centre by encouraging safer speeds along Beach Street.”

Another example of a protected bicycle lane, this time in Brisbane. (Image: Josh Woning)

The project is being funded through the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program which encourages councils to think outside the box when it comes to improving streetscapes and public places.

The program was launched in the wake of the pandemic when the NSW Planning department sought to make improvements to public spaces and support physical distancing requirements in light of the work and lifestyle changes occurring due to Covid-19.

While the bike lane is considered a trial, Council will be monitoring its usage to establish whether it becomes a permanent fixture in Woolgoolga potentially in other areas of the LGA.

Council will also be asking the community to be involved in evaluating its success.