CALLS have been made for the shared northern cycleway to be widened, particularly at Bulli, with claims that the coastal path has become so popular that it now poses a danger to cyclists and pedestrians.
Wollongong Greens Councillor, Mithra Cox is calling for the pathway to be widened to include a dedicated pedestrian lane.
“The coastal share path is one of Wollongong’s finest assets,” Cr Cox said.
“We have all been appreciating it, especially during this lockdown.
“Last weekend it was so crowded, it was chaos. It’s time to add an additional lane for pedestrians only, so that they can enjoy walking without fear of being run over.
“An area of the path at Bulli is about to be reconstructed – but despite my best efforts to get this section widened, it will only be constructed to the existing two lane format.
“What we build now needs to be fit for purpose for the next 30 years. And the path isn’t going to become less popular.
“For older people, kids and anyone with mobility issues, it feels unsafe to have bikes racing past you on all sides.
“At the point when the path is being reconstructed, we should be building it like we have next to Stuart Park, where there is a 2 way cycleway plus an additional lane for pedestrians only.
“Some areas of the path have even developed ruts in the grass next to the path because there are so many people using it,” Cr Cox said.
What are your thoughts on this story or cycleways? Scroll down to have your say in the comments section.
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I think widening the cycleways is essential! Where possible, a woo sign posted separate pedestrian lane would be great. If council is serious about making Wollongong “bike friendly” this needs to be done.
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Posted by Richard Dowell | August 21, 2021, 8:58 amGood Morning.
I ride the bike path from Wollongong to home in Woonona everyday and it has become so popular and crowded .
The area around Rubys Cafe in Bulli is extremely dangerous and I have witnessed accidents on the bridge where people just stand around on the bridge and cyclists don’t slow down.I wrote to Ryan Park suggesting barricades on either side of this bridge so cyclists have to slow down and even disembark. Ryan contacted council and this fell on deaf ears and the improvements I mentioned were not deemed a priority.
Hopefully a very serious accident or even a death doesn’t occur.
I also had a small child riding his bike run into me as he wasn’t looking .
We both fell off our bikes however the parents were not around , they were 40 metres behind him in a very busy area with people everywhere.Parents need to be much closer to their young children on this bike path.
I did speak to Wollongong Police about this and they will be monitoring the area more closely especially in this lockdown period
I have decided to ride on the back streets now from Wollongong to Woonona as it is much safer.
The whole bike track must be upgraded and widened for everyone’s safety before a very serious accident or death occurs.
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Posted by Malcolm Rogers | August 21, 2021, 9:17 amYes, I agree that when it is busy the back streets are safer, but safety on Carrington Rd and Trinity Row could be greatly improved with a few sections of shoulder widening, bike logos on the road and “Watch for Bikes” signs. This would be inexpensive and could be done easily now.
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Posted by Deards | September 1, 2021, 10:04 pmI live only 5 minutes walk from Bulli Beach but do not go there on weekends due to overcrowding on the path.
People not adhering to Covid rules.
Yes build a separate path for walkers.
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Posted by Alan Smyth | August 21, 2021, 8:24 pmYes. Absolutely agree to split the cyclists and pedestrians – it’s safer for both and therefore more enjoyable for everyone.
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Posted by Angela | August 22, 2021, 10:44 am