And for their next trick, they'll close the detour!

Letter from Doug Stewart to Ryde Council

From :	Doug Stewart
To:	Warren Latham, Kim Woodbury, Harry Muker
Date :	01/11/2007 09:34AM
Subject:	Construction upgrade of Pembroke Path or Epping Road

Dear Kim, Warren and Harry, Thanks for delivering the drawings of the proposed construction of both the Pembroke Path and the Terrys Ck Bridge. I note the drawing dates of 3/10/07 and 15/8/07 and I request earlier advice in future. We still strongly believe that the construction of the upgrade to the Pembroke path is not the correct project and request a review to again look at the Epping Road route as requested previously. Regional Route 07 diverted away from Epping Road to pick up this path, however this is an opportunity to keep RR07 along Epping Road with significant benefits as follows:

• the alignment is better,
• it will reduce pedestrian conflict as the Pembroke path will stay,
• it will be a more visible symbol to motorists,
• it will be a higher quality and more consistent facility
• and not disadvantage cyclists during construction.

The reasons given to maintain the project in Pembroke park appear to be:

• the design is done
• we are too late
• two paths need maintaining
• drainage needs to be addressed on Epping Rd
• construction may involve closing a lane on Epping Rd at some times.

We don't think these reasons stack up in the longer term as we use the regional cycle route over the decades. We ask you to formally review your decision on the route for this important project which has come out of the M2 Detour process. I remind you that cyclists continue to be significantly disadvantaged by that entire process and we should look to the best outcome possible.

Yours faithfully,
Doug Stewart
Ryde Convenor
Bike North Inc.