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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Preserve reserves and provide hard surface cycling

 

When I walk along the reserve early in the morning, I encounter many other people doing the same thing.

At other times, I either sit enjoying the wonderful views or cycle along the reserve.

Regardless of the time of day, people are always using the reserve.

The quietest time I have encountered is after dark, but even then people are walking.

Many families cycle along the reserve. Others play games and picnic.

There are walking groups, bird watchers, the elderly on their mobile carts and the disabled - just to name a few regular users.

During weekends and school holidays, more kids visit to fish and swim at various spots.

It seems quite incredible that any user of the reserve would make the claim that hardly anyone uses it.

Also when we consider the large number of daily reserve users, I am surprised that anyone would hold the rather singular view that waterfront residents have the power to control access to such reserves.

Fortunately, most people are sufficiently aware of their community to know that the reserves are public.

Like many others in the community, I oppose the concrete pathway proposed for our beautiful Peninsula reserves.

Does that mean I am against cyclists?

No, I am a cyclist myself.

I already use the reserve for recreational cycling.

Does opposition to the concrete cycleway on the reserves, mean opposition to public access?

No, on the contrary, it preserves public access.

Does opposition to a concrete cycleway on the reserve mean opposition to public funding for cycleways?

No, public funding for cycleways, off the reserve, is sought.

Along with many other Peninsula residents I have found the grass, trees, wildlife and waterway both therapeutic and safe for disabled friends and relatives because there is no concrete path.

I believe the Peninsula community originally resisted a proposed roadway where the Woy Woy Reserve now stands.

Peninsula residents have continued the fight over long years to preserve their reserve.

Even today, most people still want this grassy foreshore area kept free from concrete, signs and relatively fast moving vehicles.

Generally reserves aim to reserve space away from concrete, buildings, speed, iron and steel for the community to access peaceful enjoyment and relaxation on the grass, amongst trees, at the water's edge and beside the surviving wildlife.

Sadly any promise not to remove trees must be weighed by practice.

Several trees growing on the reserve were removed at the time the sewer was installed.

Council has not replaced them.

My resistance to the concrete cycleway on the reserve is not designed to stop the cycleway altogether.

The reserve and the cycleway serve different needs.

I believe both needs can be satisfied without denying the community either type of relaxation.

We can preserve the reserve and, at the same time, provide hard surface cycling facilities close to the reserve along Burge and North Burge Rds at Woy Woy (for those who do not like cycling on grass).

Any time cyclists want to access the reserve they can choose from 13 entry points.

Surely that would satisfy all sectors of the community?

If not, then the Koolewong-Tascott pathway exists for those cyclists who want a concrete pathway as well as a constant water view.

Not everyone wants to or can relax on a concrete cycleway.

Some find a grassed area without concrete incursions a healthier environment in which to relax.

Most of us seek to protect our waterfront reserve environment for the benefit of all users, present and future.

Finally I refer to the RTA figures showing that 1224 cyclists were "killed and injured" on NSW roads in the year 2000.

The RTA figures also indicate that the total number of Pedal Cycle Accidents in this period stands at 1236; while six of those accidents caused fatalities, 1227 caused injuries and three were listed as non-casualty.

The same RTA table indicates Pedestrian Accidents totalled 2987 out of which 113 caused deaths while 2871 caused injuries and three were non-casualty.

Of those accidents, 3190 pedestrians were injured or killed, as opposed to 1267 pedal cyclists.

On the basis of RTA figures pedestrians are at far greater risk than cyclists on NSW roads.

Let us work together for both pedestrian and cyclist safety by providing concrete cycleways, just off our precious Lance Webb and Woy Woy Waterfront Reserves so that the community can enjoy peaceful recreation.

Daphne Gibbins, Woy Woy