We welcome the opportunity to provide input to Burwood Council’s development of the Walking and Cycling Plan. We recognise the importance of local government in contributing to a safe, sustainable and accessible transport system in Sydney. The increase in recent years in Burwood’s resident population, as well as the visitors it attracts, demands a rethink of barriers and opportunities for walking and cycling, and the potential changes that can be made to improve the experience for these travel modes. 

Our submission focuses on improving walkability as part of the overall active transport plan; generally, what is good for walkers will be good for bicycle users.  WalkSydney supports the separation of walking and bike riding facilities where possible, in the interests of safety and amenity.

As well as making area and location specific suggestions below, may we put forward several overall observations.

Lower motor vehicle speeds are an imperative, to improve safety, both actual (to reduce the trauma resulting from collisions) and apprehended, ie people are deterred from using streets and public places because of the fear of being hit by a motor vehicle, under current prevailing speeds. The traffic system has become predominately the preserve of motor vehicles, with dedicated pedestrian facilities required to make streets safe for walkers, at a basic level. This imbalance between motorised and active modes needs to be redressed in the interests of the wider community.

A default speed limit of 30 km/h across the municipality is desirable. If this cannot be achieved then it should be implemented in precincts around community facilities including railway stations; parks; playgrounds; schools and childcare centres; shops and shopping centres. This will give increased safer access for a wider cross-section of the community including children, older people, and people with disabilities. The infographic below, produced by Auckland Transport, illustrates the reduction in road trauma/ violence for people walking.  

The Walking and Cycling Plan will need to present a strong rationale for the benefits. Clear statements of the benefits should be prominent in the development, community consultation and formal approval processes and implementation of the Plan. There is abundant evidence from research and practice as to the overall benefits of slower streets and improved walking and cycling, eg the health benefits to the community and individuals.

Safer, more pleasant streets deliver other benefits in social cohesion, and greater safety and security. The Movement and Place framework puts forward a method for achieving improvements.

The Plan may elicit opposition from a small, vocal minority who want no constraints imposed upon motor vehicles. Such opposition should be anticipated and managed through informed community and stakeholder engagement. Experience in other municipalities highlights the importance of Council’s elected representatives having access to this support and clearly showing their support.

Location specific suggestions

Burwood Road must be a strong focus in the Plan. The volume, speed and priority of motor vehicles along it needs to be addressed. 

The first priority should be the section near the entrance to the railway station, between Railway Pde and Deane St.  In its current form it is entirely unacceptable for walkers, given their high volumes. We seek removal of the anti-pedestrian fencing and creation of a scramble crossing in this zone (if more comprehensive interventions, such as complete closure to motor vehicles are not deemed acceptable, see below). This would achieve a transformation of the heart of Burwood, returning it to people rather than cars and enabling greater connectivity of the station with bus services on Burwood Rd and Railway Pde..

The section of Burwood Rd between Park Ave and Woodside Ave could be entirely pedestrianised, with motor vehicle access only for deliveries at prescribed hours (similar to Pitt St Mall, Sydney) and for buses. Alternatively, a 10 km/h shared zone with clear signage and pavement markings, would open it up to walkers and make it safely crossable. Pedestrianisation would be a boon for the retail, medical, commercial and other enterprises along this strip. Through traffic could use Shaftesbury Ave or Wentworth Ave.

Bike riders are currently riding on the Burwood Road footpath, this is a hazard for both bike users and people. These riders are using the footpath because the risks of road trauma/ violence from riding on the road are too great. A shared zone would create a much more pleasant and safer environment for everyone. 

Railway Pde between Shaftesbury Ave and Conder St also needs rethinking similar to the above, to improve it for active transport. Lower motor vehicle speeds and more crossings are needed.

The Strand, Croydon from Thomas St to Hennessy St, also presents an opportunity for greater pedestrian priority, to improve safety, access and amenity in this historic precinct. Again, removal of the anti-pedestrian fencing and creation of a 10 km/h zone are put forward.

Thomas St Croydon east of the roundabout at The Strand intersection is difficult for pedestrians to cross, with priority given to motor vehicles. A wombat crossing and lower car priority (and speed) is suggested.

The Cooks River shared path crossings of Burwood Rd and Lees Ave need to be upgraded, eg to wombat crossings with parallel bi-directional bicycle paths. Complementary traffic management  should be considered to slow motor vehicles.

North/south travel on foot or by bicycle in Burwood municipality currently faces challenges in crossing the western rail line, Parramatta Rd and the Hume Hwy. Presently, these crossings are unsafe, inconvenient (railway overbridge near Conder St) or simply not available. 

Lastly there is a general lack of suitable bike parking along Burwood Road – ideally there should be bike racks conveniently located along the street – and specifically at the front of the Westfield Centre. Bike parking in highly visible areas adjacent to entrances is convenient and protects bikes from vandalism and theft. 

Please note, both the undersigned are residents of neighbouring municipalities and long acquainted with Burwood.

Prepared primarily by David Martin and Tegan Mitchell, Vice President and Board Member, lightly edited for website.