Hills M2 Motorway - Cycle Access Denied -We Need Your Help

Cyclists will be banned on the M2 westbound from Delhi Road to Beecroft Road from the end of January 2007.

The Hills M2 Motorway has been used by cyclists for ten years. On Friday 12 January 2007, Bike North was contacted by Transurban (the company that owns the Motorway) advising that they were converting the cycle lane/breakdown lane into a third traffic lane with no more than two weeks notice and zero consultation. Cyclists will be banned. See Press Release.

Cyclists, who “for safety reasons will not be able to use this 5 km westbound section of the motorway” have been offered an extremely poor alternative route using existing roads and paths. The alternative is much slower, much hillier and much less safe than the M2. The only upgrade will be signage. (More details to come.)

Bike North, together with Bicycle NSW met with Transurban and the RTA on 17/1 and then again with Ryde Council Bicycle Committee 22/1. We are trying to negotiate the best possible outcome, see our presentation to Transurban 880 kb and our comments on the meeting given the short notice. But you can help us to help you. The government, the RTA, Transurban and the Media must be told that cyclists need to be provided with high quality safe cycling infrastructure.

History of events

For regularly updated information on what actions have been and are being taken see our history of the M2 lane closure saga

Write to these people now!

Your letter will make a difference - see why
Please write to the following people and let them know that cyclists matter and are extremely unhappy about this situation and want a better deal. We need your help to show those in charge that cyclists needs matter and our safety and the future of cycling in this area is at stake.

Click on the links below to send your unhappy message.

Your support is still needed so if you have not yet had time to send an email or write a letter try to write to or email the following:

• Eric Roozendaal - NSW Minister for Roads. Eric is the major player from his involvement in the opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel project. Request his intervention to stop cyclist facilities from being downgraded.
• Transurban - owners of the M2 . Request they provide a completely equivalent facility to the one we have already.

It is through your support that we can make change happen.
If you have more time write to these people as well:

• Roads and Traffic Authority feedback form. Request they hold all approvals until an equivalent facility is available.
• Ryde City Council - covering most of the area of the suggested alternate route. Request they oppose this proposal on their streets until a completely satisfactory solution can be found.
• Hornsby Shire Council - covering the end of the suggested alternate route. Request they oppose this proposal on their streets until a completely satisfactory solution can be found.
• John Watkins (the Member for Ryde and Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport) John has a leading role in remedying this situation. Remind that cyclists are numerous and vote.
• Andrew Stoner (Shadow Minister for Road Infrastructure). Suggest he ask questions about the governments commitment to cycling. Remind him that cyclists are numerous and vote.
• Andrew Tink (the member for Epping). Suggest he need to look after cyclists in his local area. Remind him that cyclists are numerous and vote.

Posters, Handounts, Cards available here

Please print and post up these posters (A4) in appropriate places at work, on your cycle commute etc

Please print and handout these flyers(A5, two up on A4) to other cyclists

Please print and handout these cards (business card size, for your jersey pocket!) to other cyclists

For further information please contact info@bikenorth.org.au

Official Correspondence

Letter to E. Roozendaal, Minister for Roads

Letter to John Watkins, Member for Ryde