ESC Councillor Cycling Workshop Meeting May 2011

Good news for the future of cycling in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Below is Guy Brantingham's email detailing the meeting of 3/5/11.

 
Hi Pedallers
 
You will recall June’s email of 29 march about the presentation that was to be made to Councillors with the aim of convincing Council to brand the Eurobodalla as a “Cycle Friendly Shire”.
 
That presentation was made yesterday afternoon in the Council Chambers.  I was assisted  by Liz Hole (Chief Operating Officer from Bicycle NSW), Anthony Mayne (President of Eurobodalla Cycling Club) and June Hornby our Advocacy Officer.
 
The presentation included the following items
 
  • Cyclist and Driver safety education
  • Safe Routes and facilities for riding for pleasure and health, for all types of riding.
  • Facilities and brochures for Cycling Tourism
  • Route identification
  • Road Maintenance and signposting with a cycling focus.
  • Road construction with a cycling focus.
  • Cycle commuting
  • Kids riding to school
Our recommendation was for Council to form a Cycle Advisory Committee.  Such a committee would comprise Councillors, staff and community cycling representatives.  This new Committee would then receive reports from staff on the issues raised in the presentation and other relevant  matters.
 
We were well received by the nine Councillors who seemed very supportive.  There were also a good number of staff in attendance to hear the presentation.
 
In summary, the outcome was that staff will be recommending to Council that a Cycle Advisory Committee be formed.  I am fairly confident that the Councillors  will agree to the recommendation.
 
So if all goes well, it is great news for the community, as we will have then have a formal process for raising Cycling  issues with Council.   Cycling will be well and truly on the map.
 
There is more good news in the details below.
 
Before making our presentation Council’s Director of Roads and Recreation advised:
 
  • Work has started on widening the shoulders on Nth Head Dr from the Weir to the Quarry to provide a small amount of sealed shoulder width for cyclists. The section from the Quarry towards the airport is to be resealed and new linemarking installed.  The new lines will enable a narrow shoulder to be linemarked for some of this section.  There is no edge linemarking at present.
Comment :  this is really good news as it will make Nth Head Rd much safer for cycling east of the weir which is currently  the most dangerous section.
 
  • A report is going to a meeting of Council next to seek approval to erect some “Share the road”  signs on George Bass Drive.  I have suggested that Nth Head Dr should be included in this first batch of signs and will be sending a more comprehensive list of signs that are ultimately needed across the Shire.
Comment:  It is good news that Staff have recognised the need for these important educational safety signs.
 
 
  • Council has applied for funds to widen the shoulder of George Bass Drive from the Tomaga River Bridge to Tomakin.
Comment:  This will make cycling and walking from Tomakin to Mossy Point much safer and hopefully the 50% grant funds will be forthcoming.
 
  • Council has applied for 50% grant funds to build a shared pathway on the missing link of the Narooma to Dalmeny Shared Pathway.  This is along side the wetland just north of the car park at the boat ramp at North Narooma.  Again great news.
  • Six new cycle racks are being built in various locations using grant funds
 
  • Council is continuing to construct shared pathways in accordance with its Management Plan.
Big news
 
Council has applied for a $5m Commonwealth Gov. grant for a coastal walking track north from the airport terminal building.
If successful, these funds will provide a gravel pathway suitable for cycling from the airport to the start of the existing gravel track at the “Windsock”.  Along with the work mentioned above this would then complete the missing link between Moruya and Broulee.
 
If successful, these funds will also be used to construct a shared pathway from the Batemans Bay bridge around to the Cullendulla wetland.
 
Both of these projects are high on our priority list.
 
Cycling Tourism
Cath Reilly (acting Tourism Manager) gave a brief presentation after us.  She also conveyed good news.  She is most supportive and is ready to market cycling tourism in our shire.  She really just needs advice from us on a small number of the most suitable rides.
 
 
So ,a big thanks to the Councillors and staff for their support.
 
Cheers
Guy