Upgrade improves cyclist safety

Helen Goltz

A real black spot for cyclists has been improved, according to Werner Steyer, chairman of the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group, (iBUG) with the completion of the upgrade to the Macquarie Rivulet Bridge on the Princes Highway, near Haywards Bay.

The creation of a short section of sealed pathway by the RTA has enabled south bound cyclists to gain access to the footpath on the eastern side of Macquarie Rivulet Bridge.

Mr Steyer said previously it was a hair-raising exercise to ride across that bridge.

“We had been on to the RTA for a number of years to get them to make a small improvement that would provide greater protection for local cyclists,” Mr Steyer said.

“Working with the Member for Shellharbour, Lylea McMahon, we have managed to get some action.”

Mr Steyer said the situation was made worse when the speed was increased before the Haywards Bay overpass.

“When they did the overpass, they increased the speed right near the bridge,” he said.

“So not were cyclists contending with the road narrowing, but speed increasing.

“You can now safely get off the freeway and in behind the fence to get across the bridge.”

Mr Steyer said iBUG was continuously working with Shellharbour and Wollongong Councils to pick up black spots to improve road safety for cyclists.

“Both councils do what they can,” he said.

“Our next goal is to work with the Lake Management.

“We would like to get some work done on the Lake cycleway, especially the link from Kanahooka to the Tallawarra Powers Station site.

“This will get cyclists off the freeway for part of the run,” he said.

Member for Shellharbour, Lylea McMahon, welcomed the work on the Macquarie Rivulet Bridge that eliminated a potentially deadly situation.

“The completion of this project will encourage greater use by cyclists,” she said.

“The greater number of safe cycleways we have, the stronger the incentive to cycle instead of drive.

“This provides positive environmental outcomes,” Ms McMahon said.

“In addition there are obvious health benefits for the local community associated with increased levels of exercise and fitness.”

iBUG is a group of cyclists who articulate the interests of Illawarra cyclists and act as advocates to identify areas that may compromise cyclist safety.