Letter to the Editor: Better planning to increase cyclist and road safety

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE sleepy seaside town of Urunga boasts family friendly caravan parks and regional roads extending throughout the Bellingen Shire.

Perfect for exploring the local countryside and neighbouring villages, including out to the Great Koala National Park, on a bicycle.

Yet, many in the community disagree.

Last Friday (26 September) a discussion on the Urunga Facebook Page showed just how frustrated the locals are with cyclists using the roads.

Less than 24 hours later, a Facebook Admin had to close the discussion to stop the massive (negative) responses being received.

Most found cyclists to be inconsiderate, not obeying road rules, and slowing the traffic unnecessarily.

The community questioned the right for cyclists to be on any road at all.

The cyclist on roads “issue” will become worse as e-bikes, tourists and new suburbs are being expanded into the region. The question is… what are we (as a community) going to do about it in both the immediate and long-term future?

Secondly, is the Urunga community sentiment the same for the remainder of the Mid North Coast?

Should we be actively planning and implementing a strategy in the region, or just ban cyclists from using specific roads etc? As one example, Coffs Harbour, right now, should be actively planning and building cycleways to enable cyclists to safely travel from the CBD to Solitary Island Way.

Many of the cycling road issues in Urunga have been previously documented and raised with Bellingen Council.

There is nothing they are already not aware of.

The issue is funding and priorities of spending.

Their 10 year plan pays lip service to any new improvements or development for cyclists.

The only projects identified (within the next 10 years) are a 300m path alongside Giinagay Way; advocate for funding to deliver a safe cycling route between Bellingen and Urunga; and a shared path from new land release into Urunga.

That’s it!

There is no mention of linking Mylestom to Repton school or developing a safe cycling route between Coffs Harbour, Urunga and Nambucca Heads.

There is no mention of fixing cycling “blackspots”.

Maybe the problem is broader than the local Councils.

Why, for example, is there no separate cycleway along the new Coffs Harbour bypass?

The expectation is cyclists are welcome to use the shoulder (including in the three tunnels) on the 110 kph freeway.

Whilst that might be a cheaper solution, it really says a lot about the poor safety planning from our NSW State Government towards cyclists.

CEO Bicycle NSW Peter Mclean writes, “Of the 320 applications submitted to the 2025/26 Get NSW Active program, just 76 received grants.

“That’s a 24 percent success rate.”

It’s no wonder Councils are disenchanted with applying for funds.

Whichever way we proceed, the NSW Government (Transport for NSW) needs to prioritise cycling infrastructure in communities and fund them accordingly.

At the very least, all schools should have shared cycle paths leading to them.

Secondly, any roads (over 50 kph) identified as significant routes for cyclists should be marked accordingly.

Thirdly, new infrastructure projects should include safe, separate cycleways.

Perhaps more importantly, there needs to be ongoing education to all uses of roads on how to share them safely.

A lack of driver education is clearly identified in the Facebook comments.

I am of the opinion a few cyclists reaching out won’t make a difference, however a whole community declaring war on road
cyclists, just might.

Bring it on.

Regards,
David SPEARS,
Secretary,
Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle User Group.