City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclists
27 March 2025
Once again I am impressed at how much work has happened in the past 2 weeks. There is so much to do than only installing the rail network. It looks like the city centre’s underground is all being inspected and maintained. Only last night a Dutch engineer told me that Dutch cycle paths are usually only maintained and resurfaced when the pipework, like sewers that are underneath the cycle path also need regular maintenance. I guess this is why partly why so much extra work is being done at the same time as the light rail now is the right time to do underground maintenance and upgrades.
This week I have been counting bike journeys over Commonwealth Bridge during peak hour, to see where most traffic goes.
Bikes travel both ways on both sides of the bridge footpaths.
About twice as many bikes use the west footpath over the bridge, compared with the east footpath.
About two thirds of the bikes on the west footpath head off west around the lake towards the bridge over Parkes Way, and the remaining third take the ramp onto the road at the north end of the barrier between the path and the road.
This on-road route is wide and well protected on the whole: the most significant risk is at the off-ramp onto Parkes Way where vehicle traffic will cross the bike route at speed, so checking over your shoulder is important.
Further on, at the traffic light onto Edinburgh Avenue traffic will be slow, however cars turning left will be less likely to see you because you will be partially concealed behind the big, strong concrete barriers in place to protect you. Again, it is worth keeping an eye on the line of traffic immediately to your right here.
Most bike traffic southbound on the east footpath approaches on the road and then takes the off-ramp onto the footpath at the north end of the bridge. The remaining bikes come into the bridge from Commonwealth Park.
Northbound bike traffic also turns right here, and probably takes the eastern bridge or tunnel over or under Parkes Way, which both continue to Constitution Avenue.
I was surprised that I saw more bikes going under Commonwealth Avenue bridge using Barrine Drive going east-west, compared with bikes on Commonwealth Avenue bridge, going north-south. I imagine that many riders want to get onto their correct side of of Commonwealth or Northbourne Avenue before they reach the city instead of struggling through the traffic lights once they are in the City. Maybe that might suit you better? Please let Pedal Power know what works best for you!
One huge improvement is the new wayfinding signage that has been pinned to the fences around the construction compound. Clear, good quality and accurate labelled maps are now available that show which way to go to get anywhere. There are also clear signs to specific businesses, and lots of blue ‘Accessible route’ signs with a wheelchair in the middle. These routes avoid steps and kerbs, making them ideal for getting around on a bike. The ‘Police Station’ signs will take you to the inside of the construction compound to the Law Courts and other important buildings.
One junction still needs special care. Going south on Commonwealth Avenue after you have gone past the Parkes Way bridge, a slip road appears from the left, with regular car traffic accelerating toward you from behind up the hill. There is a resting post you can hang onto, otherwise you will be well served to stop and dismount to look behind you. There isn’t room to wobble either way as you look over your shoulder, with fast traffic overtaking you on both sides.
All in all, Bike riders are being well cared for, there are still plenty of bike racks available. If you work nearby you will be able to park your bike there too. With all the changes that will continue to happen, riding your bike remains a fast, convenient and safe way to get around town. It’s cheap too, however it is worth remembering that you will be mixing with many pedestrians so showing courtesy to other path users will be appreciated.
Can you help? Road and route closures and traffic congestion will change often. If you see anything that you think should be mentioned here, please call or email Pedal Power (communications@pedalpower.org.au) and help us to keep this regular bulletin up to date. Thank you!
