Cycling data shows that the Abbott Road corridor is already a popular route. This route for a shared path was identified during the development of the Northern Beaches Bike Plan which was adopted by Council in 2020.

The proposed shared path would allow for greater active transport options, recreational opportunities and connectivity between:

• John Fisher Park
• North Curl Curl Beach
• Northern Beaches Secondary College
• Curl Curl North Public School
• North Curl Curl Community Centre and
• Surrounding businesses.

The route at the eastern end of John Fisher Park would also benefit weekly parkrun participants by providing a wider and safer path in this location.

A separated cycleway is considered the highest standard in cycling infrastructure, however new infrastructure needs to fit within the existing environment.

A separated cycleway would require the removal of either on street parking or a vehicle travel lane to fit within the road corridor.

A shared path is seen as a way to provide a safe cycling environment with least disruption. Shared paths are there to provide a safe passage for people wanting to ride at low speeds. The road is still available for those wanting to cycle at higher speeds.

Pitt Road has been identified in the Northern Beaches Bike Plan as a future location for a Shared Path. The funding received at this point in time is specifically for a shared path along Abbott Road, North Curl Curl.

Council will continue to seek funding opportunities for Pitt Road and other locations.

The proposed path provides connections along the northern boundary of the park. This location provides more direct access to schools and offers routes along the road corridor which benefit from improved visibility and street lighting.

Additional routes also offer greater recreational value by creating more opportunities for walking, jogging and cycling loops within the park.

One design criteria for the proposal is to have minimal impact on existing car parking.

Depending on the detailed design, some car parking may be affected adjacent to new crossing locations. In general, the proposal aims to help with vehicle traffic and parking availability.

The intention is to make road crossings safer for path users and give path users priority over motor vehicles, where possible. If site conditions allow, it is likely that crossings will be raised pedestrian and cycle crossings.

Other safer crossing treatments may include refuge crossings and wider kerbs or extensions. Road crossing treatments will be finalised during detailed survey and design and will need to be approved by the Northern Beaches Council Local Traffic Committee prior to construction.

Council has received funding for two further shared path/cycleway projects in the area:

• Playfair Road, North Curl Curl, between Abbott Road and Pitt Road.
• John Fisher Reserve to Freshwater Village along Park Street, Bennett Street and Oliver Street corridors.

The Northern Beaches Bike Plan identifies a number of future routes within the area. These projects are yet to be funded.

It is anticipated that the path would be narrowed in this section to be able to fit and between the building and existing trees adjacent to Abbott Road.

Locating the path on the sports field side has been considered, however it would be difficult due to required sports field run-off space and congestion at the front of the building at peak times.

One design criteria for the proposal is to have minimal impact on existing trees and vegetation. It is unlikely that any mature trees would be affected if the path is constructed in the proposed location.