Narrabeen shared pedestrian/cycle bridge to stop ‘conflicts’ over space
Cyclists and pedestrians have been blueing for years about space on a notorious shared path on the northern beaches – now it’s going to be fixed.
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A notorious “conflict” zone between bustling pedestrians and cruising cyclists on the northern beaches is set to disappear.
Work is about to start on a three metre-wide bridge over Narrabeen Lagoon to be shared by walkers, joggers and riders.
The $3 million bridge will be built alongside the existing 68-year-old road bridge on Pittwater Rd, which has a narrow shared pedestrian/cycle path just one metre wide.
People regularly complain to Northern Beaches Council about arguments between pedestrians and bike riders on what the council described as a “bottleneck” and a “safety hazard” for cyclists and walkers.
Signs have been erected asking riders to “dismount” before they use the narrow shared path, which is part of the popular 8.24m Narrabeen Lagoon Trail. But public feedback provided to the council suggested that some riders do not get off their bikes.
“This path is a known area of conflict for pedestrians and cyclists due to the width of the existing bridge,” the council stated in documents asking for public submissions.
“The section of path across the Pittwater Road Bridge has been identified as a bottleneck and safety hazard for cyclist and pedestrian users of the bridge.”
In a message to ratepayers Mayor Michael Regan said “a walk over Narrabeen Lagoon is about to get a lot more relaxing” thanks to the new bridge.
“You’ll be able to stop and take in the view with the new 3me wide bridge providing plenty of space for everyone.”
The council received funding from Transport for NSW’s B-Line project to improve pedestrian and cycle links along Pittwater Road.
When the new bridge is opened in May, weather permitting, cyclists will not have to dismount and can ride along the shared path.
Pedestrians only will still be able to use the path on the old bridge.
The new bridge was first mooted in 2018, but the project has been delayed by Covid.
Work is due to start on January 24.
The existing path along the western side of the vehicle bridge along Pittwater Rd will be temporarily closed during construction. Pedestrian diversions will be in place.
TIPS FOR USING SHARED PATHS: Source: Bicycle NSW
Bike riders are advised to:
– Keep left, unless overtaking
– When overtaking try and provide one metre of space.
– Travel at a speed in accordance to your surroundings. Shared paths often have many young children, dogs and older pedestrians that bike riders will need to be aware of. Often their movements can be unpredictable and you may need to stop in a hurry.
– Use your bell or politely yell “Overtaking on the left/right” to let pedestrians know you are there.
Pedestrians are advised to:
– Keep left unless overtaking
– Be aware of surroundings such as dogs, children and bike riders.
– If you are planning to stop, we suggest moving off the path to your left.
– Keep animals on short leads so you can react to any hazards accordingly. Often leads can be hard for bike riders to see when riding and can cause accident
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