The plan to have new cycleways along Avalon Beach has been scrapped by the Northern Beaches Council, following some backlash from resident groups.
My Place: Avalon – Avalon Beach Place Plan, which identifies improvements and programs for the area, was officially adopted during a Council meeting held in late July 2022.
However, the proposed cycleways within the Avalon Beach village were scrapped, with Council recommending that the proposal be “re-investigated” within 12 months, following unfavourable feedback from the community towards the project.
The public exhibition had received 736 submissions on the draft Place Plan, many of which were critical of the proposed cycleway. The key issues raised include:
- The concrete divide between the cycleway and the road would be a trip hazard
- Extending the cycleway across Barrenjoey Road would be dangerous for cyclists and motorists
- The cycleway will disrupt residents getting in and out of Old Barrenjoey Rd (south)
- Intermingling cyclists is a dangerous outcome, for the elderly and young pedestrians
- Oppose the bike path due to the loss of trees
- The cycleway will result in the loss of 30 parking spaces
- A dedicated cycle path on Old Barrenjoey Rd would be a disaster and only cause high anxiety between the community and the Lycra brigade who travel at high speed
- Some community support for the Alternate Avalon Bike Path Plan – Avalon Preservation Association that locates the cycleway in the laneways
A Council document stated that the cycleway would have provided the community with a safe cycling route and that it was developed as a response to the community’s expressed desire for active transport options apart from vehicles.
It likewise stated that the design did not incorporate a long concrete divide between the cycle path and car parking spaces as there are other materials and structures that could be used as well as breaks that would allow prams/wheelchairs and walkers access.
“No parking spaces would have been lost as a direct consequence of the proposed cycleway and no disabled car parking spaces will be removed as part of the design concept. In total 11 parking spaces will be removed from Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade to cater for the intersection redesign and incorporated footpath widening,” the document added.
“We recognise the local community is passionate about the environment and protection of trees and vegetation and the design of the cycleway was undertaken to minimise tree removal. However, as part of the design, six trees in the centre of the Old Barrenjoey Road (south) and three small trees along the western footpath edge need to be removed.”
“As part of the Place Plan extensive additional planting would be undertaken throughout the village,” Council stated as a response to the concerns over the loss of trees as part of the Place Plan.
Considering the concerns raised, the proposed cycleway will not proceed despite the mitigation measures available.
“Our 10-year plan for Avalon Beach sets out both longer-term projects such as redesigning the Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade intersection and quick win projects that have already been completed such as improving Dunbar Park playground in 2021,” Mayor Regan said..
Council will trial temporary southbound shared along Old Barrenjoey Road between Avalon Parade and Woolworths car park entrance. Before a permanent shared zone is considered, however, the community will be invited to have their say.
Improvements on the Avalon Beach streetscape will also be part of the plan including resurfacing footpaths and roads, landscaping, installing new street furniture, increasing the opportunities for art in public spaces and performance spaces, and improving lighting. Greening of the area will also be a major component of the plan.
