kempsey shire council bicycle path safety audit€¦ · kempsey shire council bicycle path safety...

May 2019

Kempsey Shire Council Bicycle Path Safety Audit

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KEMPSEY SHIRE COUNCIL BICYCLE PATH SAFETY AUDIT

Safety Audit Background

As part of its commitment to support and increase cycling within the Macleay Shire, Kempsey Shire

Council established a Bicycle Path Safety Audit in April 2019.

Cyclists and other community members were asked to assist in reviewing conditions of cycling

routes and pathways by using a new mobile phone application (accessible by a QR code or via the

web) to report hazards, or by emailing Council’s Road Safety Officer with their concerns.

Respondents were asked to identify cycling hazards, review safety signage and report any surface

issues with road or cycle ways and rate the risk of injury these issues could present.

Council invited the community to take part in this audit through various media outlets (newspaper

print advertisements, Council websites, social media) and posters (pictured at right) which were

strategically placed in areas known to

be frequented by cyclists. Respondents

were able to scan the QR code on this

poster to access the special app (as

pictured below).

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Feedback overview:

Twenty‐six usable responses were received from Shire residents using the Bicycle Path Safety mobile

phone app.

These responses logged issues in the following areas: South West Rocks/Arakoon (15), Stuarts

Point/Grassy Heads (6), Aldavilla (2), Kinchela (1), plus general comments (2).

Thirteen responses were received via email (including three from different cycling groups)

identifying multiple issues in the following areas: Kempsey (12), South West Rocks/Arakoon (5),

Maria River area (2), Crescent Head (2), Hat Head (1), Stuarts Point/Grassy Head (1), Frederickton

(1), A1 Pacific Highway (4), Bellimbopinni (1) plus general comments (3).

Overall, 58 issues were raised in 12 locations within the Kempsey Shire. These included:

South West Rocks/Arakoon (20)

34%

Kempsey CBD (12)21%

Stuarts Point/ Grassy Head (7)

12%

Shire in general (5)9%

Crescent Head (2)

3%

Maria River area (2)3%

Aldavilla (2)3%

Kinchela (1)2%

Hat Head (1)2%

Frederickton (1)2%

A1 Pacific Highway (4)

7%

Bellimbopinni (1)2%

LOCATIONS OF CONCERN WITHIN KEMPSEY SHIRE

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Within these 12 Shire locations, 25 specified streets /key areas of concern were identified.

These included:

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

STREETS OR AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN

Gilber Cory St SWR Arakoon Rd Arakoon Cardwell St Arakoon

Lighthouse Rd Arakoon Cycle Path inc Phllip Drive SWR Gregory St SWR

Macleay Valley Way Bellimpopinni Traffic Bridge Kempsey Railway Bridge Kempsey

North St Kempsey Railway St Kempsey Middleton St Kempsey

Kemp St Kempsey River St Kempsey Macleay Valley Way Sth Kempsey

Grassy Head Rd Stuarts Point Rd Yarrahapinni Crescent Head Rd Crescent Head

Loftus Rd Crescent Head Maria River Bridge Sherwood Rd Aldavilla

South West Rocks Rd Kinchela The loop' Hat Head Great North Road Frederickton

A1 Pacific Highway

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Of the 58 issues raised, these were classifieds into types of hazards as follows (with some areas

having more than one hazard or identified need):

The current risk of injury to cyclists because of these hazards was estimated at:

Signage needed for cyclists9%

Signage needed for road users

15%

Surface repairs needed18%

Obstruction on bike path11%

Other risk or danger47%

TYPES OF HAZARDS

0 0

6

19

33

Lowest Risk Low Risk Medium Risk High Risk Highest Risk

CURRENT RISK OF INJURY

Lowest Risk Low Risk Medium Risk High Risk Highest Risk

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Specified Hazards by Area/Street of Concern

South West Rocks and Arakoon

Gilbert Cory St, South West Rocks This stretch of road connecting

Marlin Drive and Gordon Young

Drive prompted the most reports

of all streets within the Macleay

Shire, with eight respondents

identifying issues in this area.

Gilbert Cory St is a narrow road

with kerb and guttering down

the western side only and is in a

50km speed zone. Houses are

only located on the western side

of the street, with a reserve on

the eastern side.

The issues raised by respondents included:

Street is too narrow for two vehicles to travel safely passed each other in opposite directions

when there are parked cars, let alone allow room for cyclists, walkers and joggers.

There is no footpath on either side of the road for even walkers to use, meaning mothers

with prams and kids riding to school must also use the road.

There are crests along the road which make it difficult for cars to see if there are any cyclists

or walkers on the road.

There are no safe crossings from Marlin Drive to Gilbert Cory, or from Gilbert Cory to Gordon

Young Drive.

It is very dangerous to walk or ride along this road, but it is unavoidable for citizens living

anywhere in the New Entrance area as it connects Marlin Drive to the existing dual use

pathway along Gordon Young Drive which connects directly to a safe pedestrian crossing

directly opposite SWR Primary School.

Installing a 2.5m wide shared

concrete pathway on this

stretch of road along Gilbert

Cory St is already identified

within the Kempsey Shire Bike

Plan (Jan 2018) as a proposed

improvement to the existing

cycleway and pathway

infrastructure. It was listed in

that report as the equal 41st

priority (of 52) due to the high

cost associated with constructing

the approximate 750m long

pathway (approx. $231k).

Gilbert Cory St, looking North

Gilbert Cory St, looking

north, the way children

must travel to get to

school of a morning.

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All respondents represented

families with children, and all

requested a pathway be

constructed to safely connect

Marlin Drive with Gordon Young

Drive and provide a safe avenue

for walkers, cyclists, joggers and

parents with prams to reach the

school and main street of SWR

(Gregory St).

Consideration should be given to

the priority placement of this

project given: the high number of

families now living in this area;

the influx of children now walking

and cycling to school (particularly

as many are not within the

allowable kilometric distance from

the local school to use the bus

service); the fact the alternate

route down Rudder St (for Ocean

St residents) involves an enormous

hill that doesn’t have footpaths

either; and the extreme hazard risk

(all respondents nominated the

‘highest’ risk of injury) this stretch

of road represents for all non‐

vehicle road users.

Gilbert Cory St,

looking South,

the way children

must travel to

get home after

school.

Gilbert Cory St, highlighting a blind crest.

Gilbert Cory St, highlighting the verge on the Eastern side of the road and uneven edging.

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Arakoon Road, Arakoon

Arakoon Rd runs for approximately 4.5km from Gregory St (Spencerville end of South West Rocks)

through to Phillip Drive via Russell St (Arakoon end of SWR). It is a winding road with no kerb and

guttering, no shoulder and an 80km speed limit. It does not have any pathways and was the next

highest (equal second) area of concern for respondents, with six people highlighting these issues:

A combination of speed, high volume of cyclists, very impatient drivers, kangaroos and other

wildlife makes this road extremely dangerous.

The road features many potholes, which present further danger to cyclists who must veer

around them (or have cars even closer to cyclists when vehicles veer around them).

Arakoon Rd is tree‐lined, with no shoulder and very rough edging presenting a big danger for

bike riders and joggers.

It features multiple

blind corners, poor

signage, many pick up

and drop off bus stops

(also without signage to

warn drivers) and lots of

wildlife crossing the road

(largely at night).

One respondent,

who lives on Arakoon Rd,

nominated it as the:

“most dangerous road in

the town (SWR) and

ironically it has the

fastest speed limit

(80km/h).”

Arakoon Rd, looking South, highlighting one of

the blind crests, the narrow verge (note the lack

of shoulder either side of the road) and one of

only two cycling signs on the Eastern side of the

Road (travelling south). There are also only two

on the western side (travelling north).

Arakoon Rd, highlighting

the start of the blind

corner (veering round to

the left) as viewed from

the Cabbage Tree Lane

intersection.

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There are no current plans for additions or improvements on this stretch of road listed in the

Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

Recommendations by the respondents included:

Cyclists and pedestrians need to be separated from vehicles with preferably a separate dual

pathway, or at least a cycling lane.

Better signage is needed to highlight the road is also used by cyclists and to remind drivers

of the safety rules around cyclists.

An overall reduction in the speed zone for this road to improve safety of all residents as well

as the native wildlife.

Streetlights placed at each end of Arakoon Road (one at Gregory St junction, and one at

Phillip Drive junction) as the turn‐offs are easy to miss when you cannot see clearly.

Signage for bus stops and to notify student crossing areas.

Left: Arakoon Road

showing the blind

corner near the

intersection with

Bullocks Quarry Rd.

Also shown is the only

bus stop included on

the 4.5km stretch of

road. There is no

safety signage here

for any road users

about the bus stop,

children crossing, or

buses being present.

Right: Arakoon

Road at the

intersection with

Gap Beach Rd

(car is at end of

the latter road),

highlighting the

extreme blind

corner (looking

ahead) which

veers sharply to

the right out of

view of this shot.

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Left: Arakoon Rd showing the

extreme blind corner before the

intersection with Gap Beach Rd

when travelling south.

Below: Arakoon Rd looking north

toward Lighthouse Rd (veers to

the right) and blind turn (veers

left), featuring dangerous verge.

Right: Arakoon Rd showing

the extreme blind corner

before the hill heading down

to the Gregory St intersection

in Spencerville. Once past the

Waste Transfer Station there

is little verge on either side of

Arakoon Rd, resulting in cars

having to sit behind cyclists

(as above) often for more

than 500m.

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Cardwell St (Trial Bay Access Rd), Arakoon

This response refers to the area

between the end of the official bike

path (near the Trial Bay access road)

and through to the Gaol/surrounds.

The dual pathway runs from Horseshoe

Bay through to the end of Phillip Drive

then abruptly stops. There is no

signage to indicate where cyclists and

walkers should go to get to the Gaol.

Locals often use the dirt track that runs

off the road near the NPWS Depot

(pictured at right) as the bitumen road

is too dangerous for cyclists and

pedestrians, despite the 40km/h speed

zone. The bitumen road is narrow, with

no shoulder, gravelled edging and blind

corners, making it a huge risk. Many

tourists navigate the bitumen with

their children, putting the whole family

at risk because they’re unaware of the

safer route.

Constructing a 2.5m wide concrete

shared path along this stretch of road

is included in the Kempsey Shire Bike

Plan’s proposed improvements to the

existing cycleway and is listed at

priority 35, (equal).

In the meantime, the respondent

suggests installing signage to

encourage cyclists and pedestrians to

join the existing dirt path (after riding

along the grassy roadside up to the

Depot (local office) entrance road.

Lighthouse Road, Arakoon Lighthouse Road runs from Arakoon Rd, Arakoon all the way up to Smoky Cape Lighthouse. It is an

unmarked, tree‐lined, somewhat narrow, windy road with many blind corners and crests. There is no

shoulder, no pathways of any kind, and it is rated as an 80km/h speed zone. There are no current

plans for improvements on this stretch of road listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

One respondent highlighted the area from the turn off to the Smoky Cape Campground up to the

lighthouse, he cycles the stretch regularly and has been placed at great risk from drivers cutting

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blind corners. Many road users in this area are tourists, placing cyclists at even greater risk as drivers

are not familiar with the road. The respondent suggests white unbroken dividing lines to assist

drivers in staying on their side of the road. This will also reduce vehicular accidents.

Cycle pathway between Brighton Park and Arakoon, South West Rocks This path begins at Horseshoe Bay, continues round to and goes through Brighton Park, down

opposite the SWR Country Club, and then in behind the housing estates along Phillip Drive, before

coming out and running parallel to the road once reaching the pipeline access to Main Beach.

There are no current plans for improvements on this stretch of road listed in the Kempsey Shire

Bike Plan.

The areas of concern raised by respondents include:

Surface of pathway opposite house numbers 93 and 155 Phillip Drive require prompt repair

work. Currently these two areas present the highest possible risk rating. NOTE: the area

outside 155 has already been fixed by council (early May).

All along the path are many cracked areas of cement, as well as some small ridges between

sheets of cement.

There is little signage along the bike path, leading to many people not realising it is for dual

usage (walkers, joggers and cyclists).

Respondents suggested:

A thorough audit of the path to monitor areas for cracked cement, raised ridges and other

areas of concern, to ensure needed repairs are carried out swiftly and reduce risk of

accidents.

More signage indicating dual use for pedestrians and cyclists (so cyclists aren’t subjected to

verbal abuse by pedestrians suggesting the cyclists use the road!), along with more user

respect/safety oriented signs such as: “Keep to the LEFT,” “If stopping for a chat, move OFF

the path,” “Bikers use bell when approaching walkers from behind, slow down and pass on

the right,” and “Clean up after your pet.”

Gregory St (western side), South West Rocks A representative from the South West Rocks Public School Parents and Citizens’ Association has

raised the issue of the lack of crossings from the western side of Gregory St to allow children,

pedestrians and bike users to safely cross the busy main street to access the existing pathway. The

respondent has also garnered support from other concerned citizens.

Gregory St is the busiest road in the township, being the main route into and out of South West

Rocks and features a pathway only along the eastern side. This pathway runs from the Belle

O’Connor roundabout intersection in the Spencerville area, right into the main CBD.

The respondent said previously they lived on the eastern side of Gregory St, and their four children

had always walked or cycled to school along the safe, accessible pathway (which has safe crossings

at various road intersections along the way). Having bought a house on the opposite side, the

children had since been unable to continue walking or cycling due to serious safety concerns. With

no pathway on the western side, the children must cross to the eastern side, but there is a lack of

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safe crossings on the western side of Gregory St between the Frank Cooper St intersection right up

to the only pedestrian crossing on Gregory St which is directly out the front of the school.

With the new housing estate recently opened at the end of Bruce Field St (also on the western side

of Gregory St), the respondent expressed concern even more children would be placed at risk trying

to cross the ever‐growing stream of traffic on Gregory St.

The only section of Gregory St earmarked for future improvements in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan

is in Spencerville, well before the main section of Gregory St referred to by the respondent.

The respondent suggests:

Creating a safe access route to the local school for families living in estates and streets which

adjoin the western side of Gregory St, especially within the first 2km radius from the school

(as it is those people who are not eligible to use the bus service).

Pedestrian crossings, island refuges, or other safety infrastructure be put in place to assist

pedestrians and cyclists who live on the western side of Gregory St, particularly between

Frank Cooper St intersection in the south and the Simpson St intersection in the north.

The main

section of

Gregory St

(centre road)

of concern, on

this (the

western side)

of the busy

thoroughfare.

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Kempsey CBD

Traffic Bridge

Kempsey Kempsey town’s traffic

bridge is dangerous to

negotiate on a bicycle as

currently cyclists are

required by law to cross

the Traffic Bridge by road

(due to the lack of signage

to indicate otherwise).

One respondent reported

numerous close shaves

with vehicles due to the

narrow laneways across

the bridge, and after being forced into the barrier (sustaining torn clothes and bruising) has since

used the pathway, often copping abuse from pedestrians saying he should be using the road.

The pathway is the safest way for cyclists to get across the bridge and respondents suggested

changing the bridge footpath to a shared path with the proviso that cyclists give way to pedestrians.

It is Council understanding it is already a shared pathway, so signage and stencilling should be

installed immediately so that cyclists are legally allowed to cross the bridge via the pathway.

There are no current plans for improvements on this bridge listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

Railway Bridge Kempsey Whilst respondents said work on the path to the Railway Bridge was appreciated, they could not

believe the new stairway didn’t allow for (and are now suggesting) a ramp for bike users and pram

users to negotiate the route more easily.

There is already

infrastructure in place

along the Railway Bridge

over Eden Street to

enable these users plus

mobility impaired users

to access West from

South Kempsey. All it

would require is railing

supports either side.

There are no current

plans for improvements

on this Bridge or

pathway in the Kempsey

Shire Bike Plan.

This dual use

pathway on the

traffic bridge

requires signage

and stencilling

A ramp to

assist in

getting

bikes and

prams

across the

bridge is

requested.

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North St West Kempsey This long, quite narrow road does not have any footpaths. One respondent who regularly walks this

road said it was hazardous for cyclists and pedestrians and it would only be a matter of time before a

cyclist or pedestrian was involved in a serious accident.

The main areas of concern along this stretch of road were listed as:

Both sides of North St between Bunya Pines Circuit and the Railway crossing.

North St on the sewerage plant side of the road from the Racecourse to Belmore St.

The respondent’s concerns were echoed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan, with North Street already

earmarked for a future on‐road cycleway. It is listed as equal priority 41 (with Gilbert Cory St, SWR)

with the suggested improvement as follows: twin cycle lanes on existing roadway where possible –

line‐marking, signage and pavement marking. Where road narrows use signage and pavement

marking to warn of cyclist route.

Kemp St West Kempsey Similarly, the same North St respondent nominated Kemp St as another too narrow road with rough

edgings and no footpaths as a potential accident waiting to happen. The area of concern was both

sides of Kemp St from North St through to the Glenrock Estate.

There are no current plans for improvements on this stretch of Kemp St listed in the Kempsey

Shire Bike Plan. There are two other sections of Kemp St earmarked for improvements, namely

One of the main

areas of concern

along North St,

Kempsey, near

the sewerage

treatment plant.

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widening the existing

pathway to 2.5m on

the section of Kemp

St from St Joseph’s

School through to

Wide Street (priority

13) and Wide St to

Cochrane St (priority

23).

It appears the

respondent would

like the pathway to

continue along

Kemp St from

Cochrane St through

to North St.

River St Greenhill Kempsey A local triathlete and member of the Hat Head Tri Club mentioned there were a huge number of

potholes that required fixing on Shire roads to improve cyclist safety, but that two were consistently

causing damage to his riding groups’ bicycles and crashes resulting in injury. One of these was the

“pothole in the left‐hand wheel track about 200m back from the entry Booroongen (Community

Care) when travelling west.”

The respondent says this pothole has occasionally been fixed in the past, but never without

deforming and suggests a more permanent fix/repair is undertaken. There are no current plans for

improvements on this stretch of Kemp St listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

Kemp St, near

the North St

intersection,

featuring very

rough edges

and a lack of

pathways.

River St, featuring the pothole that

runs along the left‐hand wheel track

which requires repeated repairs.

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Railway St South Kempsey The section from The South Kempsey PCYC through to the Railway Bridge was identified as a high‐

risk area by a respondent who had a bike accident fall there three years ago (due to a hidden path lip

of approximately 15cm), badly injuring a wrist in the process. The respondent said the issue was

reported to Council at the time of the accident, but it appeared that no remedies had been

implemented.


Bike Plan. Respondent suggested fixing the path lip which is hidden by grass overgrown along the

path, stating the condition of the edge had not changed since the accident, had “not been filled in

with soil and not remedied by a few years of grass growing, cutting or the resulting mulch.”

Middleton St South Kempsey The more recently constructed pathway along Middleton St, up and into Gowings Hill Road is

reported to be in a disgraceful condition. “Grass is overgrowing parts of it, grass is high on either side

at some points and there is debris, mostly tree branches and gravel,” said the respondent.


Bike Plan. The respondent suggests cleaning/sweeping/grass cutting to restore this section of the

pathway or suggest more major work will be required in the future. Respondent suggests Council

consider the street‐sweeper type of vehicle being used to maintain similar paths in Taree.

Looking down

Gowings Hill Rd

towards Middleton

St (at bend). This

pathway needs

more regular

cleaning/mowing.

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Macleay Valley Way South Kempsey The section of concern raised by the 20‐strong Kempsey cycling group called the Hill St Gang (who

frequently use this strip on their regular cycle route) runs from the Crescent Head Road turnoff

through to the A1 interchange near the service station.

The road has lots of debris along the roadside, presenting a hazard to cyclists.

The road edge along Macleay Valley Way from the industrial turn off, South Kempsey, down

in front of the caravan parks and opposite the Golf Course is uneven and has resulted in

many near misses.

There are no current

improvements

planned for this

stretch of road in

the Kempsey Shire

Bike Plan.

Cyclists requested

regular cleaning of

the Macleay Valley

Way route which

links Crescent Head

Rd to the A1, and

the repair of the

uneven edging in

this stretch.

Macleay Valley Way, South

Kempsey, showing some of the

large amounts of debris on this

road between the Crescent Head Rd

turnoff and the A1 interchange.

The uneven and

narrow road

edging and verge

that cyclists are

forced to use

along this stretch

of Macleay Valley

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Stuarts Point/Grassy Head

Grassy Head Rd (Stuarts Point to Grassy Head) Several respondents commented on the unsafe

practice of cyclists and pedestrians using Grassy Head

Rd (pictured above) to get from Stuarts Point and

surrounds through to Grassy. This issue garnered the

equal second highest response, with six people

reporting problems on this stretch of road.

There is a partially gravelled bike/walking track that

follows Grassy Head Rd, but this is seldom used, with

its uneven surface and the grass growth and other

debris along it forcing cyclists and pedestrians onto

the narrow, bitumen road.

As it is, the road itself is winding with blind corners and respondents report the road surface is quite

uneven with potholes and patch bumps. It was noted an increasing number of visitors (especially

those using the Seventh Day Adventist grounds) were using the roadway, being unaware of the

albeit unsuitable pathway.

To improve safety, respondents suggest

serious surface repairs to the existing gravelled track, replacing it with a wider, paved

surface to link Grassy Head to the dual use pathway that runs up to the Tavern in Stuarts

Point on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Grassy Head Road.

Installing warning signs along Grassy Head Road that cyclists use the road to help improve

cyclist safety in the meantime.

Replacing the existing track with a 2.5m wide concrete shared path is earmarked in the Kempsey

Shire Bike Plan (priority equal 35th) to run alongside Grassy Head Rd from the Ocean Ave

intersection through to Grassy Head.

Aerial view

of Grassy

Head Rd

showing the

partially

gravelled

track

through the

trees to the

right of the

main road.

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Stuarts Point Rd (around Yarrahapinni) One respondent commented the Stuarts Point road surface was not safe for cyclists and was

especially dangerous over the Kings Creek crossing around Yarrahapinni.

The respondent suggested the surface and shoulders of Stuarts Point Rd required inspection and

repair for the safety of cyclists.

There are no current plans for improvements on this stretch of Stuarts Point Rd listed in the


Crescent Head

Crescent Head Rd The Hat Had Tri Group member mentioned there was a huge number of potholes that required fixing

on Shire roads to improve cyclist safety, but that two consistently caused damage to his riding

groups’ bicycles and/or crashes resulting in injury. One of these was the “pothole on Crescent Head

Rd directly outside the Kempsey Adventist School speed limit sign (opposite Macleay Valley

Nursery).”

The respondent says this pothole is often fixed, but it appears not to be done properly as the

pothole continues to sink and deform and suggests a more permanent fix/repair is undertaken.

Other respondents suggested bicycle paths along Crescent Head Rd would be a great future addition

to the Shire.

There are no current plans for improvements on this stretch of Crescent Head Rd listed in the


Loftus Rd A Crescent Head cycle enthusiast reported many cyclists, including locals and visitors, ride the

approximate 10km stretch along Loftus Rd through to the Belmore River Rd intersection and were

placed in danger near Richardson’s turn‐off on both sides of the hill.

The respondent suggested installing additional ‘caution cyclist’ signs and/or other signage along Loftus Road to help improve cyclist safety in this area. There are no current plans for improvements on this stretch of Crescent Head Rd listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

Maria River

Maria River Bridge area The Kempsey Recreational Cyclists and a local senior resident who regularly rides from Kundabung

to Kempsey, commented the old Pacific Highway (Rodeo Drive/Ravenswood Rd) that passes by

Kundabung Service Station and general store was a safe and quiet route for cyclists but did not

understand the blockage of this route at the old Maria River Bridge, just south of the Pet Boarding

business. On the southside of this blockage is a high fence, about 100m of which is now overgrown

with grasses.

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This blockage forces cyclists and pedestrians onto the new highway with traffic travelling at 110km/h

plus to cross the Maria River bridge, travel a further couple of kilometres on the busy freeway, just

to exit at the interchange – all when there’s a quiet road right next to the A1.

To enhance the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, the respondents suggested:

opening the blockage and recreate the path across the old Maria River Bridge. The historical

nature of the old Maria Bridge is an engineering feat and a good tourist attraction that

should be enhanced, not abandoned.

creating a bicycle route from the South Kempsey interchange’s western roundabout using

Scrubby Creek Rd and crossing the Maria River on the old bridge. “Establishing a path on the

southern side to link up with Ravenswood Road would complete a safe and scenic off‐

highway 20km+ bicycle route to Kundabung. They could safely use the new overpass and

continue east cycling past the Kundabung Hall and onto the Kundabung Reserve. This would

be an asset to Kempsey’s cycling infrastructure – a safe route with a round‐trip distance of

over 40kms.”

There are no current plans for improvements in this area listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

Alldavilla/ Dongdingalong/ Yarravel/ Sherwood

Sherwood Rd This stretch of road running through the Aldavilla area (from where the existing pathway finishes at

River St end through to Link Road) does not have any pathways and with a large volume of traffic it

presents a safety hazard to cyclists (many of which are children riding to school).

Traffic has increased in this area (due to the correctional facility) and respondents report there are

bad potholes along the road, speeding traffic, no safe area to ride, and dangerous passing over the

bridge (especially when buses are on the road) as there is not enough room to pass a cyclist.

Respondents suggest the construction of a safe pathway, and in the meantime, signage to warn

cars of cyclists and safe practices.

A 2.5m wide concrete shared pathway is earmarked in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan to be

constructed along Sherwood Road in four stages. Stage 1 and 2 runs from the existing pathway

through to Old Aerodrome Rd and then to Airport Rd (equal priority 19), stage 3 is from Airport Rd to

Ponds Way (equal priority 35), and stage 4 is from Ponds Way to Link Road (priority 48).

Kinchela

South West Rocks Road One respondent reports the stretch of this road running from Gladstone through to South West

Rocks needs upgrading, especially the section from Kinchela through to SWR. It is rough with

potholes creating a hazard for cyclists to find a safe path without having to veer into traffic.

Respondent suggests at least repairing the potholes to reduce the danger faced by cyclists.

There are no current plans for improvements on this road listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan.

Page | 21


Hat Head

The Loop The loop around Creek St and Gap Rd in Hat Head requires walkers, parents with prams, kids and

older people to walk and ride on the roads in certain places as few footpaths exist. One respondent

commented the speed limit of 50km/h in this area was not appropriate for this area and suggested a

speed limit reduction to 40km/h to improve safety for all users.

A 2.5m wide shared asphalt path along the levy bank (running adjacent to Creek St) is included in

the current priorities of the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan but is way down the line at priority 50 (of 52).

A small section of asphalt pathway on Gap Rd near Kinchela St (priority 30) and three small road tie‐

ins to join up the existing pathway along Straight St (equal 13th priority) are also included as planned

improvements of the Plan.

Frederickton

Intersection of Great North Road with Macleay Valley Way The Hill St Gang cycling group reported a serious cycle hazard at the turn off to Great North Rd

Frederickton, on the eastern side/south bound. The road edge is very uneven, forcing cyclists into

traffic and is very dangerous, and requires urgent surface repair.

A proposed off cycle concreted 2.5m wide shared path along Macleay Valley Way from Kempsey through to the Great North Road turnoff at Frederickton is listed in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan (priority equal 6th). While the cycleway improvements are underway in this area, the uneven edging should be checked and fixed ASAP.

Bellimbopinni

Macleay Valley Way The Hill St Gang also report the stretch of Macleay Valley Way running from the Frederickton

interchange through to the Plummers Lane turnoff features a lot of debris in the cycleway/shoulder,

which poses a risk to cyclists who must veer around it.


Bike Plan. The Group requested this stretch be cleaned of rocks and hazards and added to an

annual list of cycleways to be regularly cleaned.

A1 Pacific Highway There are no current plans for improvements on the A1 Pacific Highway listed in the Kempsey

Shire Bike Plan as this comes under RMS domain.

Kempsey Bypass The newish stretch of the A1 Pacific Highway which bypasses Kempsey is not currently very cyclist

friendly, with one respondent suggesting installation of regular signage along the major arterial

routes around the valley, as well as bike friendly signs along the Kempsey A1 bypass.

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For example: “one metre matters” signage at regular intervals to remind motorists of road safety

with respect to cyclists, as well as signs like “The Macleay Valley welcomes cyclists, drive with care.”

A1 from Kundabung to Frederickton The Hill St Gang cyclists reported numerous hazards along this stretch of the A1, including old tyres, dead animals, rocks and other debris. Recently in April the group had a serious accident when the lead cyclist hit a dead kangaroo, resulting in a four cyclist pile up behind. Two of the cyclists went to hospital (one with concussion, and one with suspected fracture bone in leg). The road is so bad one of the members went along and cleared up the dead animals after this accident, possibly placing himself in danger in doing so. The Group requests regular clearing of debris from the A1 Pacific Highway to reduce risks to cyclists and motorists.

A1 from Taree to Coffs Harbour Hat Head Tri Club member says there are many areas along vast sections of the A1 between Taree

and Coffs Harbour littered with debris, placing cyclists (and possibly motorists) at risk. “Imagine

where debris forces a cyclist out into traffic that’s travelling at 110km/hr plus.”

Obviously, this puts cyclists at extreme risk, so the respondent requests petitioning the RMS to at

least yearly clean/sweep the freeway.

Eungai Creek The stretch of road that travels from Eungai Creek through to the Warrell Creek A1 extension was an

existing part of the Pacific Highway and remains intact. The sides of this stretch present a hazard to

cyclists with branches, gravel patches, regrowth of weeds and grasses, all sorts of litter from

motorists and damaged vehicle parts including broken glass, metal parts and shredded tyres. The

comparison to the new sections of the A1 either side of this is stark, which have very few hazards.

The Kempsey Recreational Cyclists also suggest regular sweeping/clean‐ups of this stretch of road.

This would also need to be brought up with the RMS.

Shire Roads in General

Verges for all major arterial routes Kempsey Recreational Cyclists (who have a calendar of regular rides around the Macleay and

neighbouring areas) said they try to avoid major roads in the Shire unless there is a good shoulder to

cycle on. However, to vary the rides cyclists often negotiate busy local roads without a shoulder like

Gowings Hill Rd, Sherwood Rd, Armidale Rd, South West Rocks Rd, Plummers Lane, Crescent Head

Rd and Macleay Valley Way between Frederickton and Kempsey, placing them at great risk.

These roads are “inherently dangerous because of the speed limits, ignorant if not outwardly

aggressive drivers, speeding drivers and trucks as well as the lack of shoulder.”

For this reason, the Kempsey Group suggested that for future planning, if most major arteries

within the Shire had a significant verge or cycle path, the tourism potential for the area would be

opened significantly. Two of these roads are listed as priorities for the construction of an off‐cycle

2.5m wide pathway in the Kempsey Shire Bike Plan which will resolve mentioned issues, including

Sherwood Rd (priorities 19, 35 and 48) and Macleay Valley Way from Kempsey to Frederickton

(priority 6).

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Signage for road users throughout Shire One respondent noted Council could improve the area without significant effort to make all outlying

areas into quality and popular cycling routes simply by installing cycling awareness/friendliness signs

throughout Kempsey, South West Rocks, Hat Head and Crescent Head.

The respondent suggested installing the following signage:

Large signs at the outer entrance to each major location within the shire, advising all who

enter that the town is cycling friendly (or similar) and to be alert and give space to cyclists.

Signs at regular intervals along all popular cycling roads to remind drivers to leave a 1.5m

gap between vehicles and cyclists.

Reminder signs that drivers can legally overtake cyclists across unbroken lines IF it is safe to

do so.

Creation of continuous cycleway and cleaning of existing pathways A local triathlete, who rides five days a week for about 10 hours per week in the local area, says the

Macleay is a very dangerous place to be cycling on the road. His sport involves only road riding so he

cannot use alternative bike paths/tracks for training purposes.

To improve cyclist safety and enjoyment in the Shire, he suggests:

Construction of a longer loop of a continuous cycleway (about 50km needed as a minimum).

The cheapest route would possibly be Kempsey to South West Rocks as there are already

some good cycleways along the route (so it would involve joining these together).

Regular sweeping/cleaning of all KSC cycleways (at least annually) to reduce the debris build‐

up which often forces cyclists out into the unsuspecting traffic.

Cyclist education program needed for community A daily cyclist from South West Rocks suggested the main risk for cyclists in the Shire was other road

users and that an education program for the community (like those undertaken for seatbelt usage

and later drink driving) was needed to help change attitudes and improve behaviour. “Less ‘them

and us’ and more ‘us’ would help, including from politicians and sections of the media.”

The respondent suggested at least installing cyclist safety signage throughout the Shire such as

signs at entry points to town to remind drivers to ‘allow a metre’ and ‘this cyclist could by your

mum/son/sister,’ along with education based signage such as ‘drivers can legally cross double white

lines to overtake a cyclist.”

Improved upkeep of road edges One respondent commented that many Council roads were too narrow for two cars to pass safely

and unsafe road edges did not allow cyclists to move over and allow safe distances between a car

and bike (let alone a truck).

The respondent suggested improving the safety of country roads and ensuring adequate

maintenance of all road edges within the shire to help protect cyclists.

kempsey shire council bicycle path safety audit€¦ · kempsey shire council bicycle path safety...

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