Main Roads increasingly banning cyclists from roadworks areas

[Scott_C]

Following on from the Tonkin Hwy cycling bans we now have a cycling ban on Armadale Rd predicted to be in place for 18 months (AFAIK the cycling infrastructure on Tonkin Hwy originally due to open in January still isn't open).

Whilst Main Roads have met their minimum requirements by posting a detour map the detour is unsuitable in both length (15km detour route around a 6km road closure) and the type of roads nominated (90kph speed limit with frequent disappearing shoulders as a detour for a 70kph road with occasional disappearing shoulders).

Is this something that we are just going to have to live with or is it reasonable to expect that the off road cycling infrastructure is completed first so that there is a safe and suitable length detour around these kinds of roadworks before the on-road component commences?

[Thoglette]

You need to be writing to your local member to ask the question and Cc'ing the transport minister.
Followed by photo op with lots of "concerned citizens" and local councillor

[ldrcycles]

You need to be writing to your local member to ask the question and Cc'ing the transport minister.
Followed by photo op with lots of "concerned citizens" and local councillor

This, especially the publicity side of things. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

[queequeg]

Following on from the Tonkin Hwy cycling bans we now have a cycling ban on Armadale Rd predicted to be in place for 18 months (AFAIK the cycling infrastructure on Tonkin Hwy originally due to open in January still isn't open).

Whilst Main Roads have met their minimum requirements by posting a detour map the detour is unsuitable in both length (15km detour route around a 6km road closure) and the type of roads nominated (90kph speed limit with frequent disappearing shoulders as a detour for a 70kph road with occasional disappearing shoulders).

Is this something that we are just going to have to live with or is it reasonable to expect that the off road cycling infrastructure is completed first so that there is a safe and suitable length detour around these kinds of roadworks before the on-road component commences?

Yep, it's pretty standard. Cyclists got booted off the M2 in Sydney while they did an upgrade that went on for almost 4 years. Then they reopened on, only to close it again for another project (at least for only half of it the second time).
The detour they provided was ridiculously long, very hilly, and I think if you rode it end to end, more than doubled the overall distance, and dropped you miles from the end of the motorway. The detour itself had no money spent on it other than some paint.

It may have been worth it if we had been given some decent infrastructure as part of the upgrade, but the focus of the upgrade was more lanes for cars...which 6 months after the upgrade completed were choked again.

[Cycleops70]

It seems to be the norm now. Banning cycling before the alternative is built. Which could be many years.
I agree that writing to the minister is the way to go. Although be prepared for a pointless response.
But if no one complains, it becomes the accepted standard.
There would be uproar if we closed a major road while we spent 3 years building a freeway.

[Thoglette]

Rumour and innuendo department: Apparently it's all the contractor's fault. YMMV!

[Scott_C]

Don't know if anyone uses the Armadale Rd detour but if you do please be aware it is currently on fire with a bushfire emergency warning issued as of 1300 on the 7th of Feb and you need to find an alternative, alternative route (I'd suggest not riding if that is an option, with emergency vehicles and reduced visibility in the area the local roads are not safe).