Trial on Railway Reserve to slow down cyclists

The Railway Reserve crossing at Songer Street was highlighted by the community as an area that needed some safety improvements.

Approximately 500 cyclists and 270 pedestrians use this section of the Railway Reserve daily. In July, we implemented some changes including widening the crossing, designating it as a right of way for cyclists and pedestrians (through a zebra crossing), introducing a raised table, signage and encouraging vehicles to limit their speed.

However, we are still seeing somewhat higher speeds by vehicles as they approach the crossing. In the months since the initial construction, there have been four incidents of vehicles colliding with cyclists and  vice versa. The police summary indicates that speed of cyclist and scooter riders across the Railway Reserve is a contributing factor and also made recommendations regarding visibility at the crossing.

Projects such as this require time to change behaviour of all users, both on the Railway Reserve and those using the road. In the meantime please approach this crossing with care.

In October, Council put in place large coloured blocks in varying configurations as a trial to slow down cyclists as they approached the crossing. The data from this trial will determine the final solution, of which could include the installation of a chicane for path users and additional road markings.

To complement these changes, vegetation will be trimmed where possible to help improve visibility to the north.