2.1 Continuity Along Entire Route

2.2 Dedicated Cycleways

2.3 Width of Shared Pathways

2.4 Continuous Bus Lanes

2.5 Reasonable Assessment of Current Cycling Conditions

2.6 Early Construction of Gore Hill Freeway Cycleway

2.7 Potential Showcase Regional Cycle Facility

2.8 Raised Sustainable Transport Priority

2.1 Continuity Along Entire Route

A particularly pleasing feature of the proposal is the continuity of the cycleway along the entire route of the road project and its connectivity into other regional and local bicycle routes.

It is particularly pleasing to see the grade separated crossing of the Pacific Highway eliminating a number of delaying and frustrating signalised crossings.

2.2 Dedicated Cycleways

It is highly commendable to see the proposal to separate pedestrian and cyclist facility at least in areas of higher pedestrian density. Kerb separation, retaining the cycleway at a height more compatible with the road should be reasonably effective in maintaining the separation.

2.3 Width of Shared Pathways

Good width for shared facilities is always important to attempt to reduce conflict between pedestrians and cyclists. Of significant concern has always been the spectre of a shared pathway on the long hills of Epping Road, contending with two way pedestrian and cyclist traffic in a section where there will be high variation in cyclist speeds and in closing speeds. The incorporation of 4.0 wide shared paths will ease some of the safety concerns.

2.4 Continuous Bus Lanes

We strongly support the fairly continuous bus lanes along Epping Road as they are critical to increasing the efficiency of bus travel along the corridor and hence provide a much more attractive public transport mode of transport. It is very important that this be kept at bus lane level and not downgraded to any transit lane level.

2.5 Reasonable Assessment of Current Cycling Conditions

It was particularly welcome to see in the assessment of current cycling conditions as documented in Working Paper 5 (Bicycles, Public Transport, Pedestrians) the recognition that the lack of cyclists is due to the deterrent nature of present facilities and the examination of bicycle hazards, rather than any suggestion that there is a lack of demand.

2.6 Early Construction of Gore Hill Freeway Cycleway

It is noted with pleasure that the contractor would be required to maintain safe pedestrian and bicycle access as part of the contractor's Traffic Management Plan. It was most particularly welcome to also note that in the options considered for provision for cyclists (as documented in Working Paper 2 - Concept Design) the preference is to construct the Gore Hill Freeway shared cycleway as the first stage of Gore Hill Freeway works.

2.7 Potential Showcase Regional Cycle Facility

The specifications proposed for this cycleway and special facilities being considered have the potential, if built to specification, for a showcase regional cycle facility which will encourage significant cycle use.

2.8 Raised Sustainable Transport Priority

The authors of the EIS are to be particularly congratulated on the importance being given to the sustainable transport modes along Epping Road. The provision of continuous bus lanes and continuous pedestrian and cycle facilities over the demands for car parking is a very welcome initiative that is long overdue.