After a deadly week on Wollongong's roads, the city's Deputy Mayor said there was no better time for the council to make getting around safer for cyclists.
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During a debate over the council's landmark 10-year cycling strategy, which is designed to transform Wollongong into a cycling mecca for riders of all ages and abilities, Cr Tania Brown paid tribute to the 52-year-old man who was killed in a crash on Springhill Road last week.
"In a week that saw many accidents across our region, including a cyclist killed on our roads, the time is now to take action," she said. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the cyclist who tragically lost his life and pray that no other family has to face that heartache again.
"I've experienced strangers knocking on my door and giving me a twisted bike frame and telling me my husband was in the emergency room, and that happens all too often to cycling families.
"We need to do all we can to separate bikes and cars and make sure that everyone does get home safely to their families."
Cr Brown said she believed the cycling vision would "not only change the look and feel of Wollongong, but opens us up to a whole world of opportunities".
"Adapting our city to be more cycle friendly, I think will lead us to be a safer, greener and more cosmopolitan city that will serve us well into the future," she said.
The strategy was enthusiastically supported by all councillors except independent Dom Figliomeni, and will significantly extend the city's cycling network.
David Brown said he had been contacted by a large number of residents who welcomed the plan.
Addressing the vocal criticism of cyclists which often surfaces on social media, he also said it would benefit all roads users.
"Even if you don't cycle, or you've got no intention to cycle, you should still support this - everybody who is riding is not competing for your car park," he said.
"Maybe you're not a cyclist, but this will still improve your life a little bit."
Leigh Colacino said the strategy would improve many aspects of life in Wollongong, including road safety, health, tourism, transport and traffic congestion.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
