Last year, Kingston committed to rolling out 68 projects that will improve the experience of getting around their city on a bike or on foot, as part of their Walking and Cycling Plan 2023–28. Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said she is very proud to see work going strong in this space, with ten of these projects now delivered.
“As a leader in addressing climate change and making urban areas more accessible for everyone, we need to find safer, healthier, inclusive, accessible, and sustainable ways of getting around,” Davey-Burns said.
“People-powered transport also helps to promote a greater sense of social connection, independence, health, safety, and well-being, and I’m really happy we are putting our plan into action.
“Importantly, this includes advocating strongly to the state government around the Suburban Rail Loop and level crossing removal projects and the importance of having a connected active transport corridor next to the train lines.”
Lonbeach Ward Councillor Georgina Oxley said the most recent project completed was the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Scotch Parade and Thames Avenue.
“With thousands of people heading to Bicentennial Park every week and foot traffic stepping up with visitation to key events, such as our popular Carols by Kingston event every year, these traffic signals were a crucial step towards improving the safety of pedestrian access across Thames Promenade in Chelsea,” Oxley said.
“Traffic signals have long been identified as a priority at this location, to combat traffic congestion and improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.”
Other walking and cycling projects they’ve recently completed in Kingston include:
- Bay Trail improvements at Parkdale Café
- Bay Trail improvements at Mentone Life Saving Club
- Bay Trail improvements at Parkdale Yacht Club
- Industrial footpath upgrades at Percy Street and Crown Avenue, Mordialloc
- Footpath completion on Fowler Street, Bonbeach (between Royal Road and Bondi Road)
- A new wombat crossing on Bath Street, Chelsea
- New speed cushions on Mentone Parade, Mentone
- Improved beach access for pedestrians on The Glade, Bonbeach and
- Pedestrian safety upgrades on Monica Avenue, Bonbeach.
Karkarook Ward Councillor Hadi Saab said work is continuing right across Kingston.
“We’re excited to have delivered 10 of the projects we promised to deliver in our city’s ambitious walking and cycling plan. We’ll continue our work to deliver the remaining 58 over the next few years,” Saab said.
To complement this important work, they have engaged Talis Consultants to survey the conditions of their 1.144 million linear metres of footpaths across Kingston.
“Keep an eye out for their ‘Path Survey Vehicle’ buggy, which will be travelling over Kingston’s footpaths and trails to gather footage and pictures for the next nine weeks.”