Inner West Council is committed to create a safe and accessible cycling environment for all age groups to encourage new people to cycle, whilst improving safety for existing cyclists by providing a separated facility. It aims to improve connections to local destinations such as Cooks River Trail, Bay Run, the Greenway, Victoria Road, ANZAC Bridge and more distant destinations including Newtown and Sydney CBD. Improving cycleways and connectivity aligns with Council’s strategic plan to support unique, liveable and networked neighbourhoods.

Lilyfield Road (Route EW09) was identified in the Inner Sydney Regional Bike Plan and Leichhardt Council’s 2016 Bike Plan as a route that could be upgraded to a separated, two-way cycleway. This regional route from Iron Cove to Anzac Bridge via Lilyfield Road connects to a number of other regional and local bike routes. It aims to improve connections to local destinations such as Cooks River, Bay Run, the Greenway, Victoria Road, ANZAC Bridge and more distant destinations including Newtown and Sydney CBD.

There is an existing on-road bike path on Lilyfield Road; however, the focus on Route EW09 was to create a safe and accessible cycling environment for all age groups to encourage new people to cycle, whilst improving safety for existing cyclists by providing a separated facility.

The upgrade includes:

• Northern side of Lilyfield Road: Construction of a raised, separated bicycle path between Canal Road and Norton Street.

• Southern side of Lilyfield Road: Construction of a raised, separated bicycle path between Norton Street and Rozelle Parklands.

• Mary Street slip lane: Closure of the slip lane from Mary Street to Lilyfield Road, with a new left-turn lane provided at the traffic signals.

• Pedestrian crossings: Construction of raised pedestrian crossings on Lilyfield Road at Norton Street, Gordon Street and Victoria Road.

• Kerb extensions: Construction of kerb extensions at the intersections of Lilyfield Road with Charles Street, Hubert Street, Mary Street, Norton Street, Henry Street, Derbyshire Road, Rayner Street, Balmain Road, Trevor Street, Catherine Street, Grove Street and Halloran Street.

• Continuous footpaths: Construction of continuous footpaths at the intersections of Lilyfield Road with Maliyawul Street, Henry Street and Derbyshire Road.

• Shared paths: Shared paths are mainly proposed at road intersections along Lilyfield Road. Two additional shared paths are proposed to improve connectivity:

• On the eastern side of Balmain Road between Lilyfield Road and City West Link

• On the western side of Mary Street between Lilyfield Road and Perry Lane

• Parking changes: Introduction of 45° angle parking on the southern side of Lilyfield Road between Ryan Street and Victoria Road.

• Denison Street intersection: Construction of a roundabout and splitter islands at the intersection of Lilyfield Road and Denison Street.

• Traffic calming: Installation of speed cushions on Lilyfield Road east of Foucart Street, west and east of Denison Street, and mid-block between Gordon Street and Victoria Road.

These works will improve connectivity locally and regionally, encouraging bike riders of all ages and abilities to consider transport alternatives.

A bi-directional bike path is a dedicated path with a lane in both directions that is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and pedestrians and is exclusively for use by bicycles and other micromobility devices.

A continuous footpath prioritises pedestrians and bicycles at an intersection. Raising the intersection and providing clear road markings indicates to all road users that pedestrians and bicycle riders have priority over turning vehicles. A bend is provided in the bicycle path and footpath to allow vehicles to stop between the bicycle path and the carriageway of the main road.

A shared path is a section of path that is designated for use by both pedestrians and bike riders. On shared paths, people on bicycles are expected to give way to people walking. Shared paths are proposed on the corners of road intersections, at kerb extensions on Lilyfield Road.

A kerb extension is a widening of the footpath and a narrowing of the road. It calms traffic and increases safety for people walking or on bikes by reducing the distance to cross the road.

The project is expected to be funded by Transport for NSW and Council. Council will apply for funding from the NSW Government for the construction component of the project as a part of the NSW Government Get NSW Active program.

The upgrades will result in a loss of 4 on-street parking spaces between Canal Road and Balmain Road, a loss of 18 on-street parking spaces between Balmain Road and Ryan Street (Rozelle Parkland) and a gain of 69 on-street parking spaces between Ryan Street and Victoria Road. A net gain of 47 on-street parking spaces on Lilyfield Road. A plan showing the existing parking arrangement and the proposed parking arrangement can be viewed at https://yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/lilyfield-making-parking-fairer

Council consulted the community on the Rozelle Parklands Master Plan, which included the introduction of angle parking along the parkland frontage in Lilyfield Road. The angle parking arrangement introduces 69 additional parking spaces at the Rozelle Parklands, which is to accommodate parking demand generated on a typical weekend's events within the parklands.

Benefits of closing the slip lane:

• Improves safety by reducing vehicle speeds and conflict points

• Shortens pedestrian crossing distances

• Reduces conflicts with cyclists and improves cycleway continuity

• Simplifies the intersection and makes movements more predictable

• Creates space for wider footpaths, landscaping and better street amenity

The improvements to cycle facilities is good for bike riders, motorists and pedestrians.

Some of the specific safety benefits for this project includes:

• Physically separating and removing bicycle riders from the road.

• Narrowing the travel lane and proposed speed calming devices to reduce to vehicle speed.

• Raised pedestrian crossing for safer crossing point throughout the length of the project

The route is currently used by a significant number of bike riders, especially people commuting to and from work, and to access Bay Run, Light Rail and Rozelle Parkland. However, the proposed improvements are not just for people already riding bikes – it’s also for those who are interested in riding but are concerned about safety. A NSW Government survey found that 70 per cent of people in NSW would ride more often if it was safer. Locally, the number of people on bikes has increased in places where safer routes have been provided, for example:

- Carrington Road, Marrickville - 50% increase in the first year

- Bowden Street, Alexandria - 250% increase in five years

- George Street, Redfern - 400% increase since a protected bike path was installed.