Sutherland-Cronulla Cycleway

Cycling has many health, environmental, social and economic benefits. It:
reduces the risk of heart disease and obesity
uses no fossil fuels and produces no greenhouse gases
provides mobility and independence for children and the elderly
is quiet, neighbourhood-friendly, family-friendly and economical
is fun!

The major barrier to cycling in Sydney is the lack of safe and convenient cycleways. The NSW Government already has a policy of constructing cycleways when building new roads. This policy should also apply to other major linear construction such as pipelines, electricity lines and railways.

A cycleway should be constructed as part of the project to duplicate the Cronulla rail line, which has:
a large population along the rail corridor;
many trip generators including beaches, shopping centres, a hospital, TAFE and schools;
no safe and convenient alternative cycling routes;
a rail corridor and adjoining areas suitable for cycleway use; and
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the current rail duplication project.

SharkBike has recently mapped an existinglow-stress cycle route from Sutherland to Cronulla. Although this is the best available route for most cyclists, it is somewhat indirect, narrow in places with poor surfaces and includes some road crossings that necessitate dismounting. It could be greatly improved with a number of relatively inexpensive works.

We petition the NSW Government to incorporate construction of a safe, high-quality Sutherland-Cronulla Cycleway within the Cronulla Line Duplication project. We also petition the NSW Opposition to make this commitment if elected in March 2007.