Following extensive community feedback, Wollongong City Council is making changes to pop up cycleways across the city with some to remain in place, while others to be tweaked or removed.
Council introduced the trial of cycleways in key locations across the city in early 2021 as a way to support people to consider active transport options like cycling for trips rather than relying on cars. The trial was a part of the Wollongong Cycling Strategy 2030 and a commitment to plan for, and deliver, cycleways in places that connect key destinations.
The trial saw pop-up cycleways introduced in Port Kembla, the CBD, Towradgi and Thirroul, with different levels of road treatments provided. This included changes to Smith Street, Wollongong, to make it one-way traffic only with a dedicated, separated cycleway, through to the installation of road markings in Thirroul and road cushions in Towradgi.
Earlier this year, Council called for comments from residents about the cycleways and, and we received more than 830 pieces of feedback collected through user surveys, non-user surveys and emails.
Consideration of this feedback, as well as Council's own studies, has helped inform the next steps for these facilities.
"We're very appreciative of those who took the time to provide their feedback to Council on their experiences with the cycleways,'' Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"What is really important about this feedback is that it came from both user groups and non-users of these facilities. It has helped inform the decisions made by Council for the future of these transport links and will allow us to continue to explore ways to continue to improve active transport options across the local government area.''
What's next:
Port Kembla
The Port Kembla Cycleway will remain and be supported by the construction of a shared path connection on Military Road from Church Street to Olympic Boulevarde.
Towradgi
Road cushions and traffic separators will be removed from Murranar Road. Bicycle symbols and warning signs will be kept to maintain driver awareness of cyclists that use this route.
Council will investigate options for an alternative cycleway treatment connecting Towradgi railway station to the coastal shared path.
Thirroul
The Thirroul cycling markings and road signage will be retained. Additional wayfinding signage is planned to direct cyclists to surrounding destinations.
Wollongong City Centre
Road cushions will be removed from Stewart Street, except for those either side of the pedestrian kerb blisters beside Aldi supermarket.
Shared path use will remain on Corrimal Street, Crown Street (from Corrimal St to the foreshore), Gladstone Avenue, MacCabe Park and Burelli Street west of MacCabe Park.
The trial cycleways on Smith, Harbour and Kembla streets will remain in place and be considered as part of the new transport plan for Wollongong – the Wollongong City Centre Movement and Place Plan. This Plan is under development now and will identify the integration of all forms of transport and their supporting infrastructure. This will include which existing cycleways and shared paths should remain and recommend new cycleways and other enhancements that will provide a safe, well-connected and convenient bicycle network. Public Exhibition of the Wollongong Movement and Place Plan is anticipated to occur in early 2024.
"I know there will be a mixed response to the news about the changes to keep some cycleways and make changes to the cycleway in Towradgi,'' Cr Bradbery said.
"For many people, cycling is an easy and sustainable way to get from A to B. But, we know through the Wollongong Cycling Strategy 2030, that many people would be inclined to ride if they felt safer while doing so. One of the most effective ways to improve safety is having dedicated cycleways like that on Smith Street that is separated from traffic.
"With the ongoing increases to our city's population and climate change we have to continue to adapt our way of living and that includes how we move about. We need to ensure cycling is a more appealing option for people to have when it comes to jumping on a bike to get to work, to a social engagement or to run errands.''
