Across the country, councils and road officials are constantly installing new signs and markings along roads to keep communities safe. From zigzags to dragon’s teeth, there’s a fair amount to stay across as a driver in Australia.
In Newcastle this month, the City Council announced a new raised shared path crossing at Memorial Drive at Bar Beach. It is one of the busiest spots for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
“Bright yellow and hard to miss, a shared path crossing gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists, who do not have to dismount at these crossings,” Newcastle City Council said online.
“The big ‘Give Way’ signs mean that drivers must give way to pedestrians or cyclists on or near the crossing.”
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Both pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way here. Source: Newcastle City Council
What does the crossing mean?
It means both pedestrians and cyclists have legal priority at the crossing, and cyclists do not need to dismount as they normally would.
At standard pedestrian crossings, cyclists are usually required to get off their bikes to gain right of way — at a shared path crossing, drivers must give way to either mode as they cross.
Bar Beach is one of “Newcastle’s busiest spots” for pedestrian and cyclist activity, council added, especially during summer.
“This new shared path crossing makes the road safer for everyone,” council said.
Newcastle City Council said the upgrade delivers several safety and connectivity improvements at Bar Beach, including new shared paths linking Bar Beach Avenue with Bathers Way and setting the foundation for future cycleway connections.
The project also includes kerb extensions to shorten crossing distances, a new median strip to prevent unsafe U-turns, and more than 200 metres of resurfaced road on Memorial Drive with fresh line marking.
Supported by the NSW Government through the Get NSW Active Program, the council said the works reflect a commitment to protecting the coast while making it safer and easier for people to walk and ride.
The Bar Beach crossing follows the council’s newly opened shared cycleway and footpath crossing at nearby Islington.
The design has also been utilised in Victoria with newly opened crossings in Greenvale and Glen Huntly.
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