Cars, pedestrians and cyclists: getting the balance right

Monday, 23 November 2009 06:50

It has been interesting to receive substantial feedback following the suggestion of one of our councillors that state funding of $4.5M for the region's first off-road cycleway should be given back to the State government. Pleasingly, most people are in favour of cyclists being able to travel safely into our CBD and we received lots of good suggestions as to how to manage issues at the "hotspot" north of Airport Drive. There's been a suggestion that Esplanade vehicle traffic could go one way from south to north, thereby reducing the strip of Esplanade parkland that would need to be incorporated into the cycleway. All suggestions will be taken on board by Council officers who will report back to Council. I have been alarmed at times by the seemingly aggressive attitudes of some callers towards cyclists when I am on the local talkback radio show. These people seem to want to force cyclists out of the city. It's important to accept that pedestrians and cyclists have as much right to be in the city as cars and all need to be able to move freely and safely. Getting people out of cars and onto bikes, or onto their feet, is good for the health of both residents and the environment. One of the issues that has been raised with me is the synchronisation of traffic lights, which encourages jay walking by pedestrians. It's a good point and I will be taking this up with Council and Main Roads Department officers.