Will any speed limits change?

Council is not authorised to set or change speed limits. Speed limits are managed by Transport for NSW (TfNSW). While the proposed design changes may support lower vehicle speeds, any decision to amend speed limits would be made by TfNSW.

Will this project increase parking?

Based on the concept plan prepared, Council anticipates a reallocation of parking spaces leading to a net gain of 17 parking spaces.

Will there be impacts to existing parking?

Some options do require partial parking removal to ensure safe widths for cycleways. These losses are minimised where possible and clearly quantified in the engagement materials. Residential streets are prioritised for parking retention, with trade-offs discussed transparently.

Parking losses have been minimised. The project will result in a nett gain of 11 spaces.

Extracted from page 4 of the feasibility report, the recommended route passes near several key education facilities, including:

• Eastlakes Public School
• JJ Cahill Memorial High School
• Mascot Child Care Centre

In the broader study area, the investigation also considered additional schools and early learning centres, including:

• Mascot Public School
• St Therese Catholic Primary School
• Several smaller pre-schools and childcare centres

This ensures the project considers the needs of children and families when planning safe and accessible active transport routes.

• The feasibility study has considered potential impacts to businesses, particularly along Coward Street's mixed residential-commercial zones. The recommended route seeks to avoid negative impacts to businesses.
• During construction, there may be temporary access disruptions, which will be managed through careful staging and communication with affected tenants and property owners.
• Long-term benefits of improved active transport infrastructure include:
  • Increased foot and cycle traffic, particularly from commuters and locals
  • Safer and more attractive streetscapes that encourage visitation and patronage
  • Potential for improved retail vibrancy and visibility
  • Car parking loss will be transparently presented and minimised where possible. Engagement materials will clearly explain any changes to access and amenity.

Following this public consultation, Council will review the outcomes and any recommended design changes to finalise the feasibility and concept design.

Detailed design is not currently funded and will be subject to community support, Council endorsement, and grant funding. Council intends to seek funding to undertake detailed design as early as 2026 (FY 2026/27), with an implementation plan developed during this phase.

Subject to funding, approvals, and coordination requirements (including TfNSW), construction is anticipated to commence in 2028.

Shared paths

Shared paths are for both bicycle riders and pedestrians. Bicycle riders must keep left where practical, give way to pedestrians (including slowing or stopping if needed), and stay left of oncoming riders. Riders of skateboards, foot scooters, and rollerblades must also keep left where practical and give way to all other pedestrians.

Bicycle paths/Cycleways

Bicycle paths are different from bicycle lanes, and riders don’t have to use them. They begin with a ‘Bicycle path’ sign or road marking and can run alongside roads or through off-road areas. These paths can also be used by people on skateboards, foot scooters, rollerblades, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and by postal workers on motorcycles. Other vehicles may only enter a bicycle path when accessing a road or where signed, and must give way to all users on the path.

A feasibility study is an early-stage investigation that explores whether a project is practical, safe, and worthwhile. For cycleway projects, this includes:

• Reviewing existing road conditions, footpaths, and traffic volumes
• Identifying different route options and types of cycling infrastructure
• Considering impacts to things like trees, parking, driveways, and bus stops
• Reviewing how a project might connect to other transport and cycling networks
• Understanding the challenges and opportunities of delivering the project
• The study does not involve final designs. It helps Council decide whether the project is worth progressing to detailed design and funding stages.

(Read the Feasibility Study for this project)

Council has prioritised tree retention across all options. In locations where shared paths are proposed, impacts on trees are to be minimised through careful material selection to avoid root damage and canopy loss. Separated cycleway elements are unlikely to result in tree loss. Any unavoidable impacts will be clearly communicated.

TfNSW will determine this once their ongoing studies are complete.

TfNSW is undertaking their own feasibility studies west of Bourke Street for a cycleway which connect to Alexandra Canal. While Council is working closely with TfNSW to ensure the two feasibility reports align, both projects are working to separate time constraints.

Shared paths are designed to operate at lower speeds with high visibility. In constrained environments, they can be a practical solution. Council will apply best-practice signage, line marking and landscape buffers to reduce conflict and promote courteous use. We typically avoid shared path arrangements in areas where pedestrian traffic is high, such as in the vicinity of Mascot Train Station.