Cycleway blocked – will it be a bridge too far for Minister Daley?

23 July 2009:  Roads Minister Michael Daley works hard to demonstrate he is a bike friendly roads minister. His enthusiasm certainly seemed real when he announced a new handbook on cycling earlier this year. Then there was the survey of cyclists to determine their interests. And I imagine we will hear from him with when the Spring round of RTA bike events commences.

But Mr Daley's reputation for cutting back on cycling facilities could well end up on par with that of Michael Costa – Roads Minister in 2005 – if he does not act quickly to restore a major western Sydney cycleway that has been cut off by the RTA just three years after construction.

Yesterday I joined members of the Canal Reserve Action Group on a most enjoyable cycle along the section of the cycleway still in use between Prospect Reservoir and Guildford. This is a stunning ride that I would highly recommend but your pleasure will be curtailed. On your way to Prospect Reservoir a large cyclone fence blocks your route.

Minister Daley should act quickly to sort out this mess. The cycleway has been chopped off as the RTA is undertaking a major upgrade of Reconciliation Drive. A visit to the site clearly shows that some forward planning would allow the RTA to build the road and retain this cycleway by putting in a bridge.

The RTA plan to chop out a section of the cycleway is a recipe for disaster. Cyclists would have to cross what will be the equivalent of the near-by Cumberland Highway in traffic volumes and size, and then rejoin the Canal Reserve Cycleway.

One of the beauties of this cycleway is that traffic and cyclists are completely separated and that is what can be retained by the Minister having a hands approach to this project and instructing the RTA to put in a bridge to replace the section of cycleway that has been removed.

If he does not move now to ensure the bridge is built while the road works are going on the cost of restoring the full cycleway will be much higher.

Former Holroyd councillor and CRAG member Ken Morrisey, who joined us on the ride, explained to me that the original plans for the construction of Reconciliation Drive included a bridge.

Chatting with Ken and Steve Norton CRAG President and other locals about the lobbying they have done for the reconnection of the cycleway I got the impression that the RTA is up to its usual tricks.

The lack of engagement from the RTA and the procrastination when they are put on the spot is typical of the complaints my office receives about this government department.

Minister Daley would be wise to meet with CRAG members and ensure the bridge is built during the construction of Reconciliation Drive.

The Minister needs to recognise this issue is not going to go away. CRAG waged a ten-year campaign for the Prospect Reservoir Cycleway. They are not about to allow a Minister who is not doing his job and an arrogant RTA to take away what the community campaigned for, achieved and have enjoyed.


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