Bike North: Save The M2

Status

Bike North's position

Bike North objects to the 3rd lane and is convinced that increasing traffic capacity will not solve Sydney's Traffic problems. The answers lie in better public transport, better urban design, better journey and work choices and of course greater use of bicycles as a serious means of transport.

What we have done

BN has proposed several different options to Transurban/RTA including:

No change!
Time sharing the third lane
A dual direction cycleway on the northern side of the M2
Different access points for cyclists leaving/rejoining the M2 from the proposed detour

Transurban and the RTA have rejected all these proposals with the exception of allowing cyclists to use the M2 westbound from Delhi Road to Lane Cove Road. Bike North has propsed a new exit point at Lane Cove road for cyclists. This will avoid several very dangeorus sections of the original propsed detour.

What we continue to do

Bike North has challenged, and continues to challenge, the reasons for not allowing us to remain on the M2 at the western end, which would also allow the tunnel to remain 2 lanes, but Transurban/RTA are adamant that the 3rd lane must go to Beecroft Road, and that the Norfolk Road tunnel is perfectly safe.

Bike North is not the decision maker but has influence is determining the best possible decisions are made. Therefore as the RTA has determined that we must leave the M2 we are working to ensure the best option is provided. This does not imply agreement of the decision, merely acceptance. We believe that is the role expected by our members.

Bike North understands, and has strongly argued that cyclists are seriously impacted by removal from the M2 and that the effect on cycling, especially commuter cycling in the corridor could be catastrophic. Neither the RTA nor Transurban are swayed by anything other than the need to provide additional road capacity. This is completely consistent with their philosophy which has led to Sydney's transport problems.

Bike North has, through extensive documentation and consultation, shown Transurban/RTA/Councils that the proposed 3 to 5 year detour route needs significant upgrade before it can be signposted as an alternative route. As a result they have agreed to saddle survey the routes accompanied by Bike North to determine what works are needed to bring the routes to compliance.

The time lines on this project are extremely short and unprecedented. The list of works following the saddle survey must be completed within one week. Decisions by councils will be made in the first week of March. Works will be carried out with great rapidity. We expect to be moved off the M2 by 20th March.

To our knowledge (apart from executive support from Bike NSW) there is no other cyclist organisation active either in opposing the M2 changes or in protesting against them. We would encourage others to be involved to strengthen the arguments on the issue.

Events in the M2 Bike Lane Closure Saga

January 10

Minister for Roads, Eric Roozendaal signed the deed of agreement with the RTA and Transurban for the lanes changes to take place. In the deed there is a clause stating that Transubran will do its best to complete the work within 20 days.

January 12

Transurban contacted Bike North (email to Ryde@bikenorth.org.au from Tanya Baini) and requested a meeting about the closure of the westbound cycle lane. Later that day Bike North recevied Transurban's press release.
We informed Transurban that the closure was an unsatifactory move and that we would indeed meet to discuss it.
Doug Stewart (Ryde area convenor, Bike North) and Carolyn New (Advocacy Officer, Bike North) met that evening. It was decided that Doug would lead our campaign.
Bike North contacted Bicycle NSW to ask what assistance could be given, and to make sure that BNSW was fully aware of the situation.
A meeting with Transurban, RTA and Bike North was set for the morning of January 15. This was later moved to January 17, and the venue set at Macquarie University.
Bike North began a letter writing campaign to the councils (Ryde and Hornsby), The State Government Ministers and local members, The RTA, Tranbsurban, and local election candidates.

January 16

Transurban and RTA met with Macqaurie University, presumably to discuss the proposed alternative cycle route through university grounds. Bike North was unaware of this meeting at the time. Mq Uni (looking at a bike plan for the uni) had indentified a similar alternative route to the one Transurban had proposed, and Mq Uni told Transurban that this route needed much work to be viable. Transurban dropped the idea of its alternative route going through university space.
Meeting arrangements for January 17 were confirmed.
Bike North produced posters, flyers and small cards to assist in informing M2 cyclists about the proposed closure of the route, and giving the Bike North website address for them to find further infomration. This was done because Transurban had not informed cycists of the proposed change. Posters were attached to the cycle entrances at Vimiera Rd. Bike North members started handing out cards to cyclists on the M2.
BNSW issued a press release, based on draft copy from Bike North. We do not know to whom this was sent.
Bike North members collected photographic and GPS information about the proposed alternative route and made comparisons with the existing M2 cycle lane route.
Residents of Somerset St Epping contacted Bike North and informed us that trees had been cut down in preparation for a new access point to be cut in the M2 noise barriers. The residents had safety concerns for children gaining access to the M2 via this new opening. They also informed us that they had had no consultation with Transurban about the cycle route and access point prior to the trees being removed, and only when they complained did they force a meeting.

January 17

The posters on the Vimiera gates had been removed.
Bike North President, Graeme Edwards, was interiewed on ABC Radio early in the morning.
The Sydney Morning Herald contacted Bike North. Keith Griffin did a phone interview and a photo shoot was set up for 17:30 that afternoon on the M2.
Transurban met with Ryde Council. Bike North was not aware of theis meeting at the time, but on completion of the meeting Ryde Council Contacted Doug Stewart.
The meeting with Transurban, RTA, Bike North and BNSW took place at Mq uni. Further information about he meeting is here. Bike North presented 6 options for a better outcome than the proposed route. By end of the meeting Transurban and the RTA were made aware that we were not happy.
At the meeting it was dicoverd that transurban had engaged a Consultant (SMEC) to audit the alternative route. The audit had been done on December 22, 2006! Bike North requested a copy of the report.
Several Bike North cyclists turned up for the photo shoot (SMH) and a venue was agreed with the photographer. We reconviened 5 minutes later at Vimiera Rd entrance to the M2. A road crew saw us before a single photo had been taken, and ordered the photographer off the M2 land. We regrouped again, this time on the Christie Rd overpass and the session went ahead in conditions which were very difficult for the photographer.
Bike North was contacted by Renegade Cycles about a social protest ride to be held onthe M2 on January 20. This was publicised to Bike North members. The event was run by Renegade Cycles.

January 18

Bike North President, Graeme Edwards, was interiewed again on ABC Radio early in the morning.
The Sydney Morning Herald ran an article about the lane closure, quoting Keith's interview but with no photos.
Our posters at the Vimiera Rd entrance magically re-appeared.
Transurban met with Emergency Services. We have no information about discussion points or outcomes from this meeting.

January 19

Many letters to SMH from many cyclists published.
Bike North wrote to the Amy Gillett Foundation.

January 20

Renegade Cycles ran a social protest ride along the M2.

January 22

BN met with Ryde Council, Transurban and RTA (Bicycle Advisory Committee). Ryde council had the Deed of agreement for the work, we were given a copy on request.
At the meeting Bike North gave a presentation about what was need to bring the proposed route up to standard. By the end of the presentation there were more than 200 actions items required to complete the route.
BN sent official letters to Roozendaal and Watkins.
Bike North became aware of an organised protest ride on the M2 cyclelane to be held on January 27. This was publisicsed to Bike North members, but was not a Bike North event.

January 24

BN issued another press release on January 24 - largely about the 'protest' ride on January 27. This did NOT mention BN
Bike North wrote to BNSW and asked them to alert other cyclists in BUGs and CCs about the M2 situation.

January 25

The audit report from the consultant (cycle route) engaged by Transurban arrived late in the afternoon. Though this was supposed to have been done on Dec 22 with a route using Somerset Rd. The copy we have received uses the now modified route using the bus lane at Epping.
An article was published in The Northern District Times. This article was highly inaccurate, but at least it ran and showed a photo of several Bike North members at Delhi Rd M2 junction.
Scott Ratcliff was interviewd on ABC radio about the January 27 protest ride.
Bike North held a strategy meeting at and the working group for the M2 action was formed. As a result of the meeting an email list was establshed to be used by this working group. A number of major strategies were decided upon.

January 27

Protest ride on M2. Keith Griffin was interviewed by Channel 9, as was Lee Rhiannon (Greens Party) who attended.
A small section of Keith's interview was shown that evening on Ch 9 news along with footage of cyclists during the ride.

January 28

The renegade Cycles ride from January 20 was shown in footage at the beginnning of SBS TV's Cycling Central, and the host (Mike Tomalaris) mentioned the closure of the lane and commented that it was not good for cycling.

January 29

An official letter to the NRMA was sent by Bike North asking about the NRMA's position, particularly as it relates to the safety of their staff and members once the breakdown lane is removed.

February 1

Bike North Photo analysis and Safety Audit (ZIP 5.5Mb) made available to Transurban, RTA and Ryde Council.

February 4

DEADLINE PASSED! This day was the original date set for the 3rd motor traffic lane to open and for bicycles to be banned. Apart from some initial lane guide work done a week or more ago, work on the project by Transurban has not yet begun!

February 6

"Committee of the whole" at Ryde Council, RTA, Transurban and Bike North present. Council passed three resolutions (these are not the exact words):
a) that the council report (that was previously distributed) be received and noted.
b) that Council express disappointment about the process and ask for an extension of time for Council and community groups to respond.
c) that Council requests that Transurban/RTA fully investigate the alternative options for the cycle detour in consultation with Council and cyclists.
The latter two resolutions came out of our presentation.

February 7

Extraordinary meeting of Ryde Council Bicycle committe at Ryde Council. RTA, Transurban and Bike North present. Much transpired but the following resolution was passed, with some parties not happy about it.
RESOLUTION:
1. That another alternate bicycle route along Talavera Rd from Lane Cove Rd to Vimiera Rd as identified by Bike North be investigated including modeling by Transurban over the next week to determine if this route, or part thereof, is feasible.
2. That Transurban provide a review of the SMEC audit report, taking into account the comments of Bike North and the RTA, for the alternate route within one week to the Ryde Bicycle Advisory Committee.
3. That any approval of the proposed interim cycle route to the westbound breakdown cycle lane on the M2 between Delhi Rd to Beecroft Road should be subject to the following conditions:
  a) That Transurban undertake localised road surface improvements for cycleway use to the Satisfaction of the city of Ryde
  b) That Transurban upgrade all drainage grates with those suitable for cycleway use to the satisfaction of the city of Ryde
  c) That Transurban undertake all works contained within the Bicycle Detour Audit Report by Transurban/SMEC Jan 2007 and works highlighted in green and yellow as per the attached table to the satisfaction of the city of Ryde, or in lieu of this, the links to the alternate route along Talavera Rd between Lane Cove Road and Vimiera Rd, or as otherwise agreed, be constructed to the satisfaction of the city of Ryde
  d) That Transurban pay for the maintenance of all signposting and linemarking whilst the M2 motorway interim alternate route remains in operation.
  e) That Transurban pay for annual inspections of the alternate cycleway route to be undertaken by the city of Ryde.
4. That the minutes of this meeting and future correspondence be provided to Hornsby Council.
All this now goes to the Traffic Committee Meeting.

February 8

Traffic committee at Ryde Council, RTA, Transurban and Alex Unwin from BNSW present. The motion was to defer anything until Transurban had reviewed Bike North's Talavera proposal (within a week). The committee refused to make a comment on the tabled proposal (Transurban's route) despite Transurban pleas to do so.

February 14

An article published in The Weekly Times 14.2.2007
Bike North members address the Hornsby Council meeting. The following resolutions were passed -
RESOLVED ON THE MOTION OF COUNCILLOR FINDLAY, seconded by COUNCILLOR EVANS, THAT

1. Council object to the Transurban proposal to provide a third lane on the M2 Motorway westbound between Delhi Road and Beecroft Road, and the resulting need to provide interim cycleway facilities on roads in the Shire.

2. Council advise Transurban that:
- i. it objects to the lack of consultation regarding the M2 Motorway third lane proposal.
- ii. it considers the detour to be of poor standard.
- iii. a third lane be provided on the M2 Motorway at Motorway standards, following community consultation, as soon as possible.
3. Transurban be further advised requesting that it respond in writing to the environmental, heritage and residential amenity issues raised by Council at the presentation on 31 January 2007.

4. Representations be made to the Minister for Roads in the terms of this resolution

5. This matter be referred to the Sustainable Action Committee for comment.

6. A further report be prepared for Council's consideration.

February 15

Transurban and Bike North meeting. Information coming soon.

February 19

Ryde Council Bicycle advisory committee meeting.
Bike North made a full presentation to the Ryde Council BAC. A copy of our presentation can be found here. The minutes of the meeting can be found on the City of Ryde web site here.
Bike North also asked Transurban a number of key questions about their traffic modelling and how the results were derived.

February 24

Saddle Survey with Bike North, RTA, Ryde Council. A working party has been formed to continue deveoping the alternative route. The consists of representatives from Bike North, RTA Bicycle Unit, Transurban, Ryde Council and we hope, Hornsby Council.

February 27

The Working party met at the Transurban office on the M2 and began to sort out issues surrounding the creation of the alternative route.

March 5

Meeting of the Ryde Council Bicycle committee. RTA and Trabsurban present along with Bike North. The RTA sia dthe third lane would be built as designed, despite BN's protests about poor modelling. RTA and Trabnsurban siad they wanted to help us out and a 3 stage programme has been devised (still being finalised) to upgrade the detour route to a usable level. The RTA provided a letter to Ryde council confirming funding for the work.

March 8

Another Working party meeting at Transurban M2 offices. At this very long meeting a number of things became clear, the main one being that Transurban is escaping from paying for the bicycle detour and the RTA is picking up the bill. It remeains to be seen whether the money promised by the RTA will cover the real costs. Further, it seems that while there has been agreement on a staged implementation of facilities on the detour route Transurban is shying away from delivering on maintentance of the route or even from putting any funding into the building of vital infrastructure for the route . The stage 1 implementation includes mainly signage and paint but nothing by way of improved infrastructure, beyond the entry and exit points to/from the M2 which have to be built anyway. Transurban stands to make a lot of extra money from the increased traffic passing through its toll booths, yet it is not prepared to spend the money required to secure an alternative route for cyclists. Such disregard for the well-being, safety and rights of cyclists is not in accordance with Transurban's stated "Corporate Sustainability Policy". (2006)

March 9

Bike North iussued a press realease for the M2 Handicap which will be a test of the new route. Professional elite cyclists will ride the new route and "mum and Dad" cyclists will ride the M2 cycle lane (while it still exists). We don't really have towonder who will finish first !

March 14

Bike North M2 Handcap was held. Two of NSW's fastest cyclists took to the alternative route while normal recreational and commuter cyclists used the M2 cycle lane. Who won? Read all about it!

March 16

Stage 1 works for the interim cycle detour began. Detailed info here!

March 21

Stage 1 works are still not complete BUT cyclists have now been banned! This is against the agreement made by the members of the working group (RTA, Bike North, Transurban RydeCC)