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Why does it always take a tragedy to bring attention to problems most of us have been aware of for years but cannot get official action to rectify? Sadly, the Byron racetrack known as Ewingsdale Road, claimed another life last week when a cyclist was killed
There are numerous safety problems with Ewingsdale Road, including the crossing refuge just west of Belongil Creek bridge. Over the years, residents have repeatedly reported to Council and Police numerous near misses by cars as they endeavour to cross Byron Bay's busiest road, which carries up to 17,000 car movements a day travelling at speeds of 80 kph or more, especially at the site of the pedestrian crossing refuge. The 100Kph sections are also very dangerous, especially around the McGettigan's and Quarry Lane intersections. If you are leaving Byron at night, the oncoming car lights make the pedestrian crossing at the Belongil Creek bridge difficult to see. The crossing sign is easy to miss as it’s so small, and for part of the approach it is obscured by other Council/RTA signs.
There are many young people who live at Sunrise and have to commute to Byron Bay on their bikes. Ewingsdale Road is now a built up area, not a country road. And speed limits in a built up area are 50kph. Council must act, and must act quickly to work with the RTA to lower the speed on Ewingsdale Road to 50kph, rather than the posted 80kph. If the speed was lowered to 50kph, it would then be permissible to put flashing lights and reflective zebra stripes at the crossing, which would increase the safety of the crossing enormously. I can’t understand the apparent reluctance of those who could make these changes yet don’t.
A vigil was held along Ewingsdale Road last week, with people on bikes, with prams, strollers, and kids. The guard of honour was both a wake to mourn the lives of people and animals lost and injured on Ewingsdale Road and as a silent protest against the apparently careless attitude of the RTA, NSW Road Minister and Byron Council who have failed to act on numerous requests by community groups to lower the speed limit. These groups have written many letters to and had meetings with Council and the RTA to request that they lower the speed limits and create safer bike and pedestrian pathways on Ewingsdale Road.
Admittedly some cyclists don’t help by wearing dark clothes, no helmets of have lights. But will it take another death, or several, before any action is taken? There are other black roads in the shire, but this is such a main thoroughfare, things must change.
Cheers
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