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Riders angry at recycled bike path plan

Daniel Strudwick

Thursday, November 22, 2012

© The Cairns Post

 

PLANS to resolve the feud over the Esplanade bike path have been revealed but little has been tweaked since cyclists rubbished the design a fortnight ago.

In its bid to create more carparks on the Esplanade, Cairns Regional Council will retain a dedicated bike path for southbound riders, while those cycling north will have to share the road with cars.

The speed limit on the stretch of road will be reduced to 30km/h, which the council says addresses safety issues in the area.

But the Cairns Bicycle User Group insists the design is still as flawed as it was earlier this month, when the council called stakeholders together to look at their plans.

"We were telling them that the existing infrastructure was adequate, and we said in the meeting that the new design created more hazards than it fixed," the group's treasurer Brynn Mathews said. "The problem didn't exist before the council created it, and now they're creating more."

Mr Mathews has expressed concerns about the way the new route will connect to the rest of the city's dedicated cycle way.

But the council is adamant it has taken stakeholders' feedback on board and the new design solves the issues of all users.

"This option has taken into account the varied viewpoints that have been expressed and shows that it is possible for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians (to) share the space," Division 5 councillor and avid cyclist Richie Bates said.

Under the plan, reverse angle parking would be introduced on the western side of the road, and 31 new carparks created on the eastern side.

"The reverse angle parking means greatly improved visibility for motorists as they leave their parking space," Cr James said.

"With children around, parents pushing strollers and cyclists moving through the area, this visibility is vital."

The new plans have been circulated to stakeholders for more feedback.

 


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A drawing of the CBD bike path re-design that Cairns Regional Council wants in place.





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