Bike North: Save The M2

Question and Answers on Cyclist Removal from the M2 westbound

1 What is this issue all about?

Transurban have applied to the RTA to run a 3rd lane along the first section of the M2 to increase car traffic, and revenue. They say that motorists are complaining about slow journey times in the afternoon peak, and they claim this is the solution. The RTA has agreed and approved the project. The approval was given in a very short time over the Christmas period.

2 How does this affect cyclists?

Transurban and the RTA have both stated that "for safety reasons" that cyclists will be denied access to the M2 where the cycle lane is converted to a 3rd traffic lane. Effectively this means that it will be illegal for cyclists to cycle on the M2 westbound from Lane Cove Road to Beecroft Road.

3 Is it really unsafe?

Despite the good sight lines, relatively slow speeds for a motorway (80 km/h) they have assessed it as unsafe. No data is given. Interestingly there is no suggestion of banning cycling on thousands of kilometres of similar quality roads in NSW. Many rural roads and urban roads have 80 km/h speed with no place for cyclists and often have very poor sight lines. No objective information has been provided as to the actual level of risk, nor the level of risk of alternate routes or other roads in NSW.

4 Is it definite that cyclists will be denied access to the M2 cycle lane?

At this stage a project exists which would exclude cyclists on the westbound side only from Delhi Road to Beecroft Road. However the contractual obligations of Transurban in respect of the cycle detour have not yet been met. It is possible that cyclists will not be excluded, but at this stage it looks likely.

5 When was the project announced?

Transurban issued a press release announcing the project on 12 January, without any prior consultation with cyclists (or even local Councils).

6 When will the M2 cycle lane be closed to cyclists?

The original plan was for it to close on 21 January, then 4 February. Now we believe the closure will be on March 24 or March 25... the election weekend!

7 How much notice will I get of the closure?

We expect to be able to give you adequate notice via this web site. Transurban will also advise cyclists via ads in local papers. We have advised Transurban that this advice must be widespread.

8 What has to happen before cyclists are denied access to the cycle lane?

Transurban must plan and upgrade an interim detour route which meets the relevant guidelines. Then they must also signpost the route.

9 How will I know where the detour goes?

Transurban will place large bright yellow M2 CYCLE DETOUR signs at every intersection along the agreed route. It should be very hard to get lost. They will maintain those signs in good condition during the entire time of the detour.

10 Where will the detour route go?

At this stage the route of the detour is not known. Bike North is in discussions with Transurban to create a safe route that is usable by all cyclists. At this stage there are several options on the table.

11 What will the detour route be like?

As we don't know the final route we can't say exactly, but it can't match the directness, grades and safety of the M2 cycle lane. There is no possible route, except the M2 that can do this. However we are attempting to get the best possible outcome for all cyclists.

12 Will cyclists be able to still use the M2?

The current plan is that the M2 will be signposted with a cyclist prohibited sign under Australian Road Rule 252. Riding in contradiction to the sign would be an offence. We believe the ban could be enforced by the NSW Police.

13 What will happen which will end cyclists use of the detour route?

Transurban have advised that the detour will be in place until a major project to widen the M2 is completed. At that time cyclists will move back onto a route within the M2 land envelope, probably alongside the motorway.

14 How long will the detour be in place?

Transurban has advised that this major project will take about 12 months in the planning and up to 2 years in construction. Bike North's estimate, based on previous major projects we have been involved in, is that 3 years would be a minimum time to wait.

15 Where can I find out more information?

Have a look at the links from our M2 Widening resources pageor our M2 Widening history page.

16 If I am not happy about this situation is there anything I can do?

We have been contacted by hundreds of people who are very unhappy with this situation for a variety of reasons. If you want to complain please follow the information on our M2 Widening information page

17 What issues are motorists concerned about?

They have told us of the safety issues of driving in narrow lanes without a breakdown lane especially in the tunnel, having longer car journey times even when traffic is low, and of being caught in a traffic jam if there is a breakdown..

18 What issues are transport watchers concerned about?

They have told us that the lack of a breakdown lane will cause significant delays if there is a breakdown or accident. They are concerned that the induced traffic effect will mean the extra capacity will be all used up very quickly and the network will block elsewhere.