Road map for the future of transport in Sydney’s east highlights need for bicycle superhighways

A NETWORK of “cycling superhighways” would connect Bondi with key centres in the eastern suburbs under a blueprint for the future of transport in Waverley

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A NETWORK of “cycling superhighways” would connect Bondi with key centres in the eastern suburbs under a blueprint for the future of transport in Waverley.

Last week the Wentworth Courier revealed a rail link and dedicated bus lanes to the beach, as well as an overhaul of the Bondi Junction interchange, were among 12 signature projects contained in Waverley’s People, Movement and Places report.

The report, set to go out for public comment in the next couple months, also recommends the creation of a comprehensive network of separated bicycle lanes connecting Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Rose Bay ferry wharf, the CBD, Centennial Park, UNSW, Randwick Hospital and Coogee Beach.

Oxford St, Bronte Rd, Campbell Pde, Old South Head Rd, O’Sullivan Rd, Macpherson St and Curlewis St would form the backbone of “cycling superhighways”.

A map showing proposed cycling superhighways contained in Waverley’s People, Movement and Places report. Source: Bitzios

A “coastal cycleway” would link Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee beaches.

The highways would contain on and off ramps and lanes for overtaking to give long-suffering eastern suburbs cyclists a chance to commute without the risk of being squeezed between vehicles and parked cars.

The report, which outlines a road map for the future of transport in Waverley over the next decade, also recommends an investigation into the potential for separated cycle ways on Bondi Rd.

An electric bike share scheme at Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction and Rose Bay wharf, to help cyclists cope with the hilly topography, was also touted.

It also found there was demand for 700 bicycle parking bays at the Bondi Junction interchange.

Bicycle Network spokesman Peter Eckersley and BIKEast president Mark Worthington said they were glad the plan recognised the need for high-standard cycling facilities in the east.

Mr Eckersley said a separated bi-directional cycleway was badly needed down the whole of Oxford St between College Street and Bondi Junction, especially from Taylor Square to the city.

“At the moment there’s only a shared path between York Rd and Moore Park Rd so when you come off that in Paddington you are thrown into a bus lane where you get forced between speeding buses and parked cars,” he said.

“It’s dangerous for cyclists and problematic for traffic flow.”

Clovelly Public School students Lilla, Ruby, Stella and Nico with parent Sebastian Smythe held an electric bike festival on Tuesday ahead of Ride2School day this Friday. Picture: Craig Wilson.

He described riding around the eastern suburbs as “unpleasant, unattractive and risky”.

The Network has launched a campaign to rebuild a two-way separated bicycle path on College St in the city, which used by more than 2000 riders most weekday mornings.

A spokeswoman for Waverley Council said the superhighways would be subject to investigation, feasibility and community consultation to determine the best routes.

Sally McGeoch with Ruby and Evie riding their electric bike to Clovelly Public School.

The highways are based on priority routes outlined in the Waverley Bike Plan, which the Council has been working on for four years.

“Waverley Council plans to further improve these existing priority routes and investigate additional routes to connect to the broader region within the eastern suburbs and Sydney CBD, in partnership with neighbouring Councils and state government agencies,” she said.

The council was working with Govrnment agencies to progress the design of the proposed RMS-funded separated cycleway through Bondi Junction along Spring and Oxford Sts, she said.

“Other works that are underway include upgrades to the shared path on Old South Head Road, between Victoria Road and Bon Accord Avenue, which has grant funding from RMS.”