Council officers have considered information from key stakeholders and the detailed feedback gathered through the community consultation. These considerations have led to an adjustment of the recommended proposed route, to improve safety and increase off-road sections, given the strong support for off-road cycling paths.

The alteration to the route means that the scope of works for Council to deliver the proposed cycling route will be limited to roads that are managed and maintained by Council (noting there are some route crossing points over main, arterial roads managed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).

The revised alignment has been developed in consideration of utilising existing infrastructure where available, suitable, and safe; minimising the loss or reallocation of on-street parking spaces; expansion of shared path and dedicated cycle path infrastructure; distance and connectivity to locations of interest along the route; and facility quality.

Council has undertaken a Road Safety Audit (RSA) of the proposed updated alignment and interventions, and a number of risks were identified. The key risk identified through the RSA, as well as officer review and feedback from the community, relates to the crossing of Bluff Road. The proposed alignment has this crossing occur at the Royal Avenue and Spring Road intersection.

A formal pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Bluff Road would most likely be required to ensure that cyclist and pedestrian safety is maintained. Council Officers have engaged with DTP with the objective of seeking commitment for several safety improvements on Bluff Road, including a speed reduction to 40km/h through the hospital and shopping area, and the crossing point.

DTP has advised that at this point in time, they are unable to confirm whether they would support the introduction of a pedestrian and cyclist crossing treatment at the intersection of Bluff Road / Royal Avenue / Spring Street.

Council Officers are recommending that Stage 1 of the project be further split into two sections:

• Stage 1, Section 1 - conceptual route from Sandringham Station to Royal Avenue
• Stage 1, Section 2 - conceptual route from Spring Street to the Sandringham Family Leisure Centre

It is proposed that Council deliver Stage 1, Section 1 of the cycling connection in the current financial year and delay the delivery of Stage 1, Section 2 of the project until the 2025/26 financial year.

Read the detailed Council Report and view the new proposed route in the 21 November 2023 meeting agenda.