LBUG meetings - Meetings have been on an as-required basis lately, as we can do most things by email. We are also attending the bi-monthly Bicycle Advisory Committee, usually on a Wednesday night. If interested in coming along, contact us or council. Tel 98103706 for next meeting date or check with Leichhardt Council on their bicycle page or Vera Zacchari on 93679000.
Cyclists need to be active in seeking better conditions. Council does respond to letters and complaints (or praise). Many small things, like reporting potholes, all adding up to better and safer roads, can be achieved by taking the time to write or talk to Councillors or Council staff. Download the Bicycle Strategy, (do a search on Bicycle Strategy from Council's front page).
To help spread the word about LBUG you can download and print our brochure and give to friends or bike shops etc. Also download our rides calendar.
For some history and background see my free audit of things I reckon have been done out of bike funds since about 1992 or so in the Leichhardt Council area (including Balmain/Glebe).
Also see some notes and info on Leichhardt Bike Planning , containing some of our ideas on what could be done, and Leichhardt Bike Plan for a more recent list of problems and opportunities throughout Leichhardt, compiled for input to the Bicycle Strategy - NB, both Word docs.
There are votes in cycling! Write to your local politicians before elections, or anytime really.
Who to write to on Council, State and Federal issues, and some hints or help.
CYCLING ISSUES IN LEICHHARDT: -please feel free to add your own! Check News for current info.
1. Funding and Implementation of the Leichhardt Bike Strategy.
Leichhardt Council has substantially increased funding for the new $2 million (over 5 years) Bike Strategy, with $145,000 voted for 07-08, mostly from s 94 developer funds. Great work! However the RTA has not matched this (as at April 10/08). This has led to a hole in the bike budget, also not helped by cost blow outs on some works already completed in 07-08. New rules for s 94 funds proposed by Mr Sartor may also threaten funding.
In 2005 Roads Minister Mr Costa savagely cut funding for Council bicycle projects from $25 million to $5 million p.a. With 70 Councils looking for 50/50 funding this is a pathetic amount. The RTA reckons some councils should be more self sufficient, and use money from other sources, such as Roads to Recovery, or parking meters. Fair enough, but it does mean cyclists then have to fight for scarce resources. Leichhardt went to the trouble to develop the new Bike Strategy, with RTA approval and part funding, so it is very disappointing not to get any RTA funding for the actual implementation.
What you can do- Please write to the Minister of Roads asking for an increase in the Bicycle budget. Contact the Council or speak to your ward councillors or Mayor (Until Sept 08 the Mayor is Carolyn Allen at callen@lmc.nsw.gov.au) supporting the Bike Strategy and urging funding to be maintained.
It is also important that all road and infrastructure projects undertaken by Council or RTA are best practice from the point of view of encouraging cycling, and at the very least do not make conditions worse for cyclists. Bike Planning has to be done across all Council Departments. A Bicycle Officer would be useful to monitor and coordinate Council actions that affect cyclists. Currently the Road Safety Officer does this job but a dedicated officer would be better in our view. See the European approach to encouraging cycling..
2. Parking for cyclists is essential to encourage everyday use. Secure and easily accessible parking for bikes is needed in
shopping and cafe streets like Darling St, Norton St and in
shopping centres. Also at parks and pools, medical centres and corner stores. Some U rails have been provided, but no where near enough.
Outside Woolies in Balmain is a prime spot - if u agree write the
Council and Woolies a letter.
Woolies agreed to
put in some bike parking in their car park behind the store as part of a planned upgrade to the parking area, but the DA was rejected by Council (not because of the bicycle parking). We are still waiting. There should be lots more bike parking around later in 2008-9, as the Bike Strategy gets implemented. Got a suggestion? Let Council know where parking is needed.
3. Sign posted routes. You may have noticed lots of sign posts going up, indicating bike routes. Most are pretty good but there are a few signs that seem superfluous or even plain wrong. Routes into Balmain from Victoria Rd are still to be signed. - If some signs seem a bit odd or you want to make comments, contact us or the Council.
4. Victoria Rd. This shared path bike route (an RTA Regional Route no less) has notorious pedestrian/cyclist conflict points. Council and RTA need to urgently widen or redesign the shared path past bus shelters. Resite or remodel bus shelters so the end advertising panel doesn't block vision. Apparently JCDecaux, the company that maintains the bus shelters in return for the advertising rights, is hard to deal with and won't change their contract. LBUG is pressing the RTA and local MP Verity Firth to upgrade the Victoria Rd route as part of the Iron Cove Bridge Update Project. See News for latest on the campaign.
5. Development of old Childrens Hospital site on corner of Booth St and Bridge Rd is now almost finished. City of Sydney Council is now responsible for this area. A new public street, Alexandra St, runs through this site, connecting Booth St with Bridge Rd at Fitzroy St lights. This provides a bit of a shortcut, avoiding some of busy Bridge Rd, and improving the East West Route from Leichhardt to Glebe/Ultimo via Booth St and St Johns Rd. Hopefully the City Council will sign the route on Alexandra St and fix up the narrow bike lane on the Johnston Ck bridge. A recent meeting with CoS bike planner Graham McCabe was positive. He can be emailed at gmccabe@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for problems in Glebe and Forest Lodge.
6. Improve the East West Route from Ultimo to
Leichhardt. Includes better sign-posting, line marking, signing the route through Childrens Hospital, a contraflow lane in Mary Anne St, Ultimo, instead of using the footpath ( City of Sydney Council), and fixing this squeeze in Booth St at the Johnston's Ck bridge, where the cycle lane narrows to about 30 cm at the end of the bridge. The left turn onto Alexandra St is just beyond, further up the hill.
Some progress was been made in 2005. The route was signposted, lights put in at Kelly and Wattle Sts, and Mary Ann St has a shared path for westbound cyclists to use. City of Sydney Council is now responsible for the Ultimo/Glebe sections right through to Booth St, Annandale, and their new bike plan will hopefully improve this route further.
In late 2007 however the East West route was virtually severed by the erection of a fence on Balmain Rd at end of Moore St. This made access to the new path between Balmain Rd and Derbyshire Rd difficult. A classic case of the construction authority( Dept of Education) and the planning authorities(Council and RTA) failing to consider or be aware of cyclist's needs. Representations have been made to Verity Firth (MP for Balmain) and the Council for a proper crossing for cyclists.
7. Develop an alternative route parallel to Parramatta Rd along Albion St to Jarrett St, via Redmond St and Dot Lane. Access is possible most of the way except for a fence at rear of the Stag Hotel and a locked gate at end of Dot Lane at rear of the Plaza, which leads to Norton St. Renwick Lane between Norton and Renwick Sts needs to be made two way for bicycles (currently a 10K zone but one way west). Struggling businesses on Parramatta Rd might benefit from increased access from a revamped rear lane by pedestrians and cyclists but some major land use changes/redevelopment are needed before this is likely to happen.
9. The Crescent to Ross St, Glebe LGA boundary runs down The Crescent. One side now in City of Sydney Council area. Implement recommendations in old Leichhardt Bike Plan, eg bicycle through lane at Wigram Rd and "watch for cyclists" sign at narrow section Wigram Rd to Ross St. Finish by-pass of the bends in The Crescent behind Timber Yard and under viaduct to Chapman Rd. Sydney Council has now put in a new bit of path under the viaduct, but needs to signpost the way to it. Under the City of Sydney Bike Plan a bike route from Chapman Rd at Johnston St goes through Bicentennial Park along Johnstons Ck, under The Crescent, to Orphans Ck, but it seems impractical. The Crescent would be a better more direct route, if fixed, as would Booth St to Alexandra St. The 60 km/h speed limit should be reduced to 50 km/h, and possibly 40 in the narrow bendy section.
10. Balmain Rd
A shared path has been built along the new school playing field frontage neaqr Moore St but annoyingly stops at the bus depot boundary. The redevelopment of the Bus Depot (currently underway) on Balmain Rd will mean there is an opportunity to extend the shared foot/cycle path from Moore St/ Leichhardt High School to the City West Link. Hopefully the Council will be insisting on the shared path and bike lanes too if possible, no roundabouts (one was proposed at Alfred St in the STA plan), and no left slip lanes at the CWL, plus a better crossing of the CWL.
Further along Balmain Rd towards Rozelle there is a proposal to redo the pedestrian refuges at Grove St and The Boulevarde. Already slightly nasty squeeze points there, but would be worse if kerb extensions are put in. A better design is to widen the central median (allows bikes to cross too) , with room for a bike lane through the refuge. Have to make sure cars dont park too close to the refuge or we get this (Addison Rd, Marrickville)
11.City West Link. Ensure cyclists are provided with a lane or wide kerbside lane plus logos.( note- a bicycle lane/shoulder has been provided between Hawthorne Canal and Balmain Rd, but no logos. Why not do the same from Balmain Rd to The Crescent? - Probably have to forgo this dream, cyclists are supposed to use Lilyfield Rd or Brenan St, but there is a bit of width in the kerbside lane as far as The Crescent. Narrows after that through the tunnel, so cross over to the footpath at The Crescent or James Craig Drive and use the new overbridge at Victoria Rd.)
Catherine St bridge at the City West Link is a barrier to cyclists. It is currently illegal to cross the Bridge going north on a bike as no northward access on road and no shared path signs on footpath! Blind corner at Lilyfield Rd due to brick wall. Eroded pavement on corner should be paved properly and extended to give pedestrians and bikes more room, as well as making it harder for left turning cars off Lilyfield Rd (see item 13 below) to cut the corner at speed. Update- June 2007: The bike plan proposes the use of the western footpath. Awaits RTA approval. Feb 2008- At the Jan 30 BAC meeting it was agreed that temporary line marking be installed in Lilyfield Rd.
12. The Crescent and CWL Most of the posts and poles on the shared path on The Crescent between Johnstone St and the Victoria Rd intersection have been removed, but still a few remaining. Also a signal box blocks the path near Victoria Rd. ( Removed in 2007, thanks RTA.)The pedestrian crossing to get across the slip lane at the Port Road is potentially dangerous and it is technically illegal for cyclists to ride across. The holding rail at the lights at The Crescent is unnecessary and constricts passing space. The two stage crossing if going to Brenan St is also poorly designed. Room only for one bike at a time. Shared path signs are needed. LBUG has made a submission for the RTA and Council. More letters from cyclists are needed. Update- Feb 2008: Some shared path signs have been installed, but still needed on The Crescent to Johnston St.
13. Lilyfield Rd
Lilyfield Rd is now a major cycle route into the City (part of an RTA
regional route from Parramatta to City) and should be of a high
standard for cyclists. There are a number of problems that should be
addressed by the Council or the RTA.
1. The
Gordon St intersection is a problem. Cars turn left up Gordon St across
cyclists proceeding straight ahead on Lilyfield Rd to the City. Some
real traffic calming needs to be done here or maybe a 40 K zone imposed.
2. Large vehicles and trailers should be banned from
parking overnight or at weekends in kerbside lane thus blocking the
shared bike/car parking lane. Large vehicles are supposed to park off
the street. (Aust. Road Rule 200 (2)) Calls to rangers or police have
been ineffective in stopping this dangerous practice.
Another pic.
3. Also there is a squeeze point in the eastbound direction between James St and Norton St. Cars block the cycle lane/shoulder due to bad positioning of a no parking sign.
4. The westbound cycle lane west of
Catherine St dates from time when Catherine St was two way and cars could travel north and turn left. The cycle
lane should be marked in a straight line through the intersection according to RTA
guidelines, as in picture at right. Left turning cars onto the bridge also a problem. Footpath should be extended
at the corner to force motorists to make a slower left turn off Lilyfield Rd. Cyclists at present can't easily use the Catherine St western footpath but the new bike plan recommends this. Cyclists will then be able to enter Lilyfield Rd at the corner in the picture. Update- Feb 2008- At the Jan 30 BAC meeting it was agreed that temporary line marking be installed in Lilyfield Rd as in the picture. A green lane will eventually be installed, when works on Catherine St are approved (see above, item 11).
5.
Construction works near Lamb St. Cyclists were exposed to danger on this
blind crest and corner by construction workers blocking the kerbside
lane and bike lane with trucks or machinery and gravel or sand piles
etc. more pics
14.The Bay Run and Cycleway. The upgrade of the Iron Cove jogging circuit to include a
cycleway where possible sounds great in principle, but has ended up
making Henley Marine Drive narrower (to provide width for the cyclepath)
and thereby worse for cyclists who like to use the road for training or
commuting. Expect to be told "Get on to the bike path ya mug" if cycling on the road.
The Iron Cove Bridge footpath is often very congested with joggers,
walkers and cyclists and needs widening. [Nov 2005-
BNSW advised that the RTA is undertaking a
design study for a new bridge for cyclists, so a bus lane can be added to the old bridge. Dec 2006- Govt announces a new bridge, next to the old, for motor traffic. Doesnt mention cycleway improvemnets.] See Latest News
15. Darling St bike lanes
Bus sweeps across
cycle lane at Elliot St crossing. Also note raised edge on concrete
apron close to bike lane. See full
picture..
Recent bike lane markings and new
pedestrian crossings in Rozelle and Balmain don't always seem to benefit
cylists or make much sense. What do you think? The bike lanes narrow
down and lead cyclists into squeeze points, with
likelihood of hitting the sandstone kerbing on the
pedestrian crossings. Some rough pieces of road need repairing, e.g the
edges visible on the new concrete apron at the Elliot
St corner and the cracks in the road, also sunken
cover and rough road near the PCYC in Balmain just before the
pedestrian crossing.
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Local issues
Write to the Council on any of the issues above, or your own issues, asking for some action, particularly on funding. A Bicycle Advisory Committee is needed to ensure Council keeps on track with the Bike Plan. A Bicycle Officer would also help monitor the Bike Plan and other council actions that might affect cyclists.
The more letters from ratepayers
the better. Talk to your ward
councillors ( 3 wards, Balmain/Rozelle, Lilyfield/Leichhardt,
Annandale)
- it is their job to look into your concerns. Convince them of the
benefits of encouraging bicycling (without too much brow beating- it
helps if they think it was their idea).
Letters can go to the General Manager, Leichhardt Council,7-15 Wetherill St, Leichhardt or PO Box 45, Leichhardt,2040. Please send a copy to LBUG, so we can be aware of what other cyclists are saying. (helps if we have a consistent line on issues).
Report Bike Hazards, such as potholes, bad surfaces, debris, dangerous grates or squeeze points to Council on 9367 9222 (all calls are logged and items placed on a data base for attention), or direct to the Traffic Engineer on 9367 9309 (you may get an answering machine) or fax 9367 9008. The claim is that potholes are fixed within 24 hours. The council has a web site, and you can email them at leichhardt@lmc.nsw.gov.au. On road safety issues, contact Vera Zaccari Tel 9367 9000.
The RTA hotline 131 700 can also be used to report cycle hazards on RTA roads (arterials such as the City West Link, The Crescent, Johnston St, Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Darley Rd and the Anzac Bridge cycleway)
Letters should be concise and business like - ie outline the problem as clearly as you can and ask politely that something be done about it. Suggest a reasonable solution, if you have one. Follow up in a week or so, to see if anyone has seen your letter and if so what is happening.
If you have other issues that should be included in the above list please feel free to send them in to LBUG or call to discuss.
Letters to the Glebe and Inner Western Weekly or The Courier can be sent by email or fax. See the contact details in the papers.
If you take an interest in local affairs you can go to various meetings such as Precinct Committees or public meetings to discuss developments and see if you can get cycling and cycling facilities on the agenda.
Join Bicycle NSW and come along to Advocacy meetings (monthly) to see what other cyclists are saying and doing in the Advocacy area and how it all fits in to the bigger bike planning picture (Bike Plan 2010 was recently released by the State Government and the Federal Government put out the National Bicycle Strategy in early 1999).
State Election 24 March 2007. The new State seat for our area (includes Haberfield, Leichhardt, Annandale, Lilyfield, Rozelle, Glebe, Balmain, Camperdown) is Balmain , held by Verity Firth. The state seat of Drummoyne (Angela D'Amore, ALP) takes in Drummoyne and Fivedock/Concord/Rhodes, and North Strathfield/Homebush West. Strathfield and Marrickville are the two other State electorates in the Inner West, along with Sydney (Clover Moore) which takes in Pyrmont, Ultimo, Surry Hills and the CBD. Check your local members where you live.
Balmain candidates' policies and contact details here.
For which electorate you are in go to the ABC election site interesting site too for general political news and info on candidates and electorates - see Antony Green's Guide.
Also see BNSW's election statement and the Cycling Promotion Fund site for more on the elections and an easy letter writing and sending facility.
Federal Election 2007. Labor is in. Thank Kevin. Climate Change and Energy are big issues. Cycling for transport can help provide real solutions to these big problems, cheaply and quickly, however Federal Labor hasn't given much support to cycling issues. Remind the Federal Minister for Transport (Anthony Albanese, Member for Grayndler) of need to continue support for the National Bicycle Strategy.
The two federal seats in the Inner West are Grayndler ( ALP, Anthony Albanese, now Minister for Transport), and Sydney (ALP, Tanya Plibersek). Write them a letter or email about cycling - even though these are safe Labor you may get some response. And your letters will probably be passed on to Mr Roozendal (State) or Anthony Albanese (Federal), the Ministers of Transport, who need convincing there are votes in cycling.
Further west is the Federal seat of Lowe ( ALP, John Murphy). He is more marginal so might be interested in letters on cycling.
Ask them what their attitudes to cycling are and what their policies are and what they are doing towards sustainable transport.
Bike advocacy and related links 
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