FAQ

In 2011, an online survey was conducted by Willoughby City Council to identify the existing transport behaviour, attitudes towards cycling, preferred cycle facilities and routes including problem locations for cyclists in Willoughby. A school survey was also undertaken to understand the needs and views of schools relating to cycling. The survey was circulated to all schools in Willoughby LGA. More information on the surveys conducted can be found in the 2012 Bike Plan Review (http://edocs.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/DocumentViewer.ashx?dsi=2811107) .

The route was identified in Council’s Bike Plan as a route requiring upgrade. Council committed to improving the north-south connection between Devonshire Street and Victoria Avenue in the 2012 Bike Plan review. Devonshire Street underwent utility upgrades recently and now requires cycle route upgrades also. This is an existing route that starts on Tindale Road and includes crossing Mowbray Road to Devonshire Street, Johnson Street, Claude Street and Spring Street. The proposed upgrade will consolidate the route to make it a more cyclist-friendly environment. Whilst some on-road facilities exist, a number of improvements are required, including directional signage and line marking.

This project is funded through our Bicycle Logos and Wayfinding Program. Details can be found in Council’s Operational Plan 2018-19, found at the link http://edocs.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/DocumentViewer.ashx?dsi=5095123

A detailed plan is a document prepared following the concept design phase of the project. It is intended to be a document for construction. It comprises the design of all the detailed components of the project and the production of a complete set of drawings.

The draft detailed plan was developed in house by Council’s Design Services team following identification as a route requiring upgrade in the Council’s 2012 Bike Plan Review and an initial analysis of existing conditions and options.

There was initial engagement with the community and key stakeholders including:

• An online community survey which gathered information on existing transport behaviour, attitudes towards cycling, preferred cycle facilities and routes and problem locations for cyclists in Willoughby;
• A school survey which captured the mode of travel to school, the schools support for cycling and cycling facilities and where cycling could be improved; and
• Consultation was undertaken with NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), Sydney Buses, Police (Bicycle Unit), Sydney Trains, BUGS (Bike North) and a council officer (responsible for bike route planning) from North Sydney, Lane Cove, Ku-Ring-Gai and Ryde councils.

The analysis of existing conditions and options included:

• Desktop road and footpath measurements
• Related Council and NSW Government plans
• Policies and technical guidelines
• Constraints in the study area, and 
• Site inspections.

No. The detailed plan on public exhibition is a draft only, and no decision has yet been made by Council.  A decision will be made only once all feedback has been considered.

A shared path is a path that can be used by people for walking and cycling.  Shared paths are often provided when there is no space for a protected bike path and road conditions are not ideal for riding.  On shared paths, people on bicycles are expected to give way to people walking, ring the bell and slow down. Additional signage and pavement markings can be used to improve shared path safety for all users.

The draft detailed plan shows a shared path with a varyine path width of 2.2 - 2.7 metre widths. This provides enough room for both pedestrians and people on bikes and complies with:

• The RMS Bicycle Guidelines which indicate that widths of shared paths should be between 2 and 3 metres (which aligns with AUSTROADS Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice  Part 14: Bicycles); and
• The AUSTROADS Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for Walking and Cycling which indicates that a local path should be between 2 and 3 metres.

A mixed traffic treatment uses road markings and signage to help people on bicycles and motorists to share the road.  This is appropriate where traffic volumes are generally low, such as most local streets.  Where volumes are higher, national guidelines recommend separation of bicycles and motor vehicles.

The green cycling surface is provided at locations where the safety of cyclists is of concern and is effective in highlighting the presence of cyclists at potential traffic conflict locations. The use of green surfacing at locations such as cycle lanes across intersections, cycle lanes on the approach to intersections and storage boxes at signal intersections can provide major benefits for cyclists.

The proposal will have no impact to the currently available on-street parking.

Yes.  This route connects to the existing on-road route along Tindale Road and further to Stafford Road connecting to Sailors Bay. This route also connects into Johnson Street to head east towards Castlecrag or west towards the Pacific Highway and Chatswood West.

Council is also developing plans for other bicycle routes.  As bike routes become more connected and continuous, riding a bicycle will continue to become safer, more convenient and more comfortable.  Council offers a number of events to promote cycling in Willoughby. Regular bicycle maintenance workshops and cycling skills sessions are held for families, beginner, intermediate and commuter cyclists throughout the year. Council also supports Bike Week and Ride to Work Day which take place late in the year.