Byron to Suffolk Cycleway rolls onto the next stages

Published on 10 July 2020

The next two stages of the Byron to Suffolk Cycleway project are now well underway; with work on the central and northern sections the focus in recent weeks.

Works to widen the existing shared path between Old Bangalow Road and Arakwal Court started in June 2020 and asphalting is now complete. Asphalt resurfacing between the Browning Street roundabout and Old Bangalow Road was completed in May in preparation for the construction of the on-road cycleway.

“We are moving through this work really quickly now and it is exciting to see our vision for this cycleway coming together, providing safer connectivity between Byron Bay and Suffolk Park for both pedestrians and cyclists,” Director of Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, said.

“We know from the Byron Town Centre Masterplan process that one of the strongest held desires of the Byron community is to create a more cycle and pedestrian friendly environment. This project goes a long way towards achieving that goal,” Mr Holloway said.

In addition to the widened shared path, an on-road cycleway will be built in the northern section. The project also includes the installation of new pedestrian and cycle crossing points, improved line marking and signage.

“It must be acknowledged as a result of the project there will be some permanent parking losses on sections of Bangalow Road. We will have more information for details to provide the community about this following completion of the detailed design towards the end of July,” he said.

“Our preliminary investigation demonstrated that there has been a low utilisation of the existing on-street parking.  While every effort is being taken to ensure that on-street parking loss is kept to a minimum it is important to consider how many users will benefit from these cycling facilities, and that the Byron Shire Development Control Plan requires all households to provide parking for residents within their own property boundary.”

“Our detailed designs will be taking all of this into consideration and we will be looking for ways to increase the overall benefit and outcomes for the community as a whole,” Mr Holloway said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro thanked Byron Shire Council for its commitment to supporting the health, safety and lifestyles of residents and visitors.

“We know that more people than ever are cycling to work or for leisure and fitness and these widened paths and new cycleways will make those trips safer and more convenient,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This is exactly the kind of project the Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver, projects, upgrades and amenities that make a big difference to everyday life.”

The project is fully funded by the NSW Government in association with Byron Shire Council. The funding breakdown includes a $500,000 contribution from NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 2 which allowed for the completion of Stage 1 & 2 in January.

Stages 3 & 4 & 5 are being funded by a $1 million TFNSW Active Transport Cycling towns grant, $1.57 million from the Roads and Infrastructure Election Commitment and $110,000 from Byron Shire Council.

The project is expected to be completed in October 2020.