Change takes time, and in the case of the Curl Curl - Freshwater Connectivity and Streetscape Upgrade, lots and lots of time. The Northern Beaches Council first considered options to better connect the Sydney suburbs of Curl Curl and Freshwater in 2021. Though a shared path was originally proposed, an outpouring of community support for a separated cycleway saw it approved in April 2022 and works began in November 2022. This was a massive win for the community. The cycleway will connect thousands of homes, shops, two schools and several parks to the existing cycleway network. An outline of the cycleway’s 1.4km route within the planned cycleway network is shown below. However, since work began it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Local residents encountered issues such as not knowing where to park or how to access their driveways, and narrowed lanes made it more difficult to turn safely. After community outcry, work was paused in June 2023 and partially reversed, for further community consultation and refinement. Following further community consultation, the option of a shared pedestrian-cyclist path was revived as a compromise. Better Streets Northern Beaches firmly objected to the shared path option, the reasons including:
Throughout this process Better Streets Northern Beaches has worked with Northern Beaches Council to complete this cycleway. Better Streets Northern Beaches and Bicycle NSW have lodged several joint submissions and met with the project team on multiple occasions. Following these discussions Council’s team implemented several suggested changes such as additional landscaping along the route. Crucially, after Better Streets' advocacy with strong support from the community, Councillors voted in April 2024 to move forward with the proposed separated cycleway, pending Transport for NSW feedback. An artistic render of what the cycleway might look like when complete is given above (title image). Better Streets Northern Beaches wholeheartedly supports the Curl Curl to Freshwater Cycleway and hope that this marathon journey to deliver a cycleway is coming to an end. The project will not only provide a new and safe Active Transport connection, but will deliver a whole host of other benefits including:
While this project, like so many others, has encountered hurdles and delays we are confident that once complete, the community will wonder how they ever lived without it! Nevertheless, advocacy for Better Streets for the Northern Beaches continues. Recently we’ve:
Better Streets Northern Beaches is currently gearing up to formally register as a community group with Northern Beaches Council, which will strengthen our ties and ability to work constructively with the Council . If you live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and want to follow or join us on our mission for safer and more active communities, please reach out on Facebook or [email protected], we’d love to have you on board!
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National Ride to School Day, on the 22nd of March 2024, is a fun way to raise awareness of the benefits of riding, walking and scooting – collectively known as ‘active transport’- to school. It is a day when the school community can come together to promote the joys and benefits of active travel to school. It is also a great way to kick start positive habits for the year ahead, but also longer term into adulthood, that benefit personal health, the environment, and even learning. We suggest some steps to take if you are keen to make a Ride to School Day happen at your school but don’t know where to begin. Remember:
Ride2School Day is about more than just getting to school on two wheels. It's about building a healthier, happier community, one ride at a time. Getting started: Key tips The following tips are designed to get you started. Please also check the great Bicycle Network's resources to assist with organising your own ride to school day. If you are in NSW please also sign up to the Bicycle NSW page to find out what is happening locally and let us know where you are in terms of promoting active travel at your school Tips are divided into NOW, A WEEK BEFORE, ON THE DAY and AFTER. NOW 1. Do some quick research and find a couple of supporters before you start
3. Pick a date and get it in the school calendar:
5. Rally the troops
Optional: Seek sponsorship
Spread the word
Optional - Extra promotion
THE WEEK BEFORE 9. Visibility
ON THE DAY
13. Early Setup
Optional: Reward Participants
AFTER THE EVENT 16. Share Results
Additional Resources:
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