Table 4-1 Types of bicycle facility

2. Objectives

Pedestrians:

• To facilitate improvements in level of pedestrian access, particularly in areas of higher pedestrian concentration

• To facilitate improvements in the level of personal mobility and safety for pedestrians with disabilities and older persons through the provisions of infrastructure and facilities which cater to the needs of all pedestrians. • To provide continuity of pedestrian access by identifying and enhancing safe and convenient crossing opportunities on major roads. • To identify and priorities infrastructure that can be implemented by Council through the operational and delivery plans. • To provide a framework for Council to apply for external funding primarily from other levels of government.

Bicycle: • Provide a planning framework for the necessary infrastructure to provide for a safer and more comfortable cycling environment. • Increase the proportion of all trips undertaken by bike – by residents, workers and visitors. • Identify and improve bicycle tourism opportunities • Identify the short- and longer-term actions to be considered in the development of the operational and delivery plans. • Increase general health and fitness, reduce car dependency, improve air quality and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. • Provide a focus to advocate the lobbying of State and Federal Government for funding assistance • Ensure new developments align with the overall bike plan

3. What is a PAMP and Bike Plan

There are a number of connections between walking and cycling (“active transport”) requirements given that cyclists / pedestrians often share the same facilities e.g. shared cycle / walking paths, pedestrian / cycle crossings including signalised facilities. This also is true of the document development processes for both PAMPs and Bike Plans. Both plans also link closely to the broader state and local government strategic transport and planning policies and vision statements. Mid Coast Council has adopted an approach to combine both a PAMP and Bike Plan into a single document (this report). The plan is a combination of measures to improve facilities for walking and cycling across the Mid Coast Council Region. Mid Coast Council is an amalgamation of three LGA areas of Gloucester Shire, Great Lakes and Greater Taree Councils. The amalgamation occurred in May 2016. Prior to amalgamation the development of these plans was at varying stages for the three councils. This document brings the full region to a common level allowing the prioritisation of projects across the region and providing a basis for funding applications to deliver the projects through internal council budgets and external funding including state and federal programs. This Plan combines elements from the PAMP and Bike Plans previously developed in the region and provides an overall structure for the future planning and implementation of projects. Background of PAMPs A PAMP is a comprehensive strategic and action plan that sets out policies and a framework for planning and developing pedestrian facilities to cater for all pedestrian requirements including recreation and commuter routes and may include provision for cyclists as well (shared facilities). The facilities should provide access for persons of all age groups and are suitable for wheelchairs. A PAMP’s focus is on co-ordinating investment and strategies to provide the community with safe, convenient and connected walking access and routes which have been identified through community engagement and collaboration with state and local authorities, developers and other key stakeholders. The PAMP identifies short, medium and longer-term objectives to meet policies, and targets such as health benefits and targets, safety, connectivity, tourism and sustainable economic growth. Background of Bike Plans A Bike Plan is similar to a PAMP except that the main focus is on setting policies and frameworks for planning and provision of cycling facilities. The plan will generally highlight past and current key projects and future aspirations including future funding targets along with objectives, priorities and programs to achieve these. Bike Plans are developed through local and state governments in conjunction with key stakeholders such as businesses, bicycle user groups and the wider community. Bike Plans look at connectivity and connecting the cycle network, encouragement of active transport, options/ treatments and projects and the barriers to making cycling as a viable alternative to motorised transport, safety and access for cyclists both for on or off road facilities, including the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians and provision of commuter, recreational and tourist routes.

4. Projects and Facility Types

4.1 Pedestrians

There are a number of standardised physical treatments available when identifying new projects and upgrades to existing infrastructure. There is also significant design resources available including: • Australian Standards AS1742.9:2018

• Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices - Bicycle Facilities • Austroads Guide to Road Design, Guide to Traffic Management and Guide to Road Safety • Cycling aspects of Austroads Guides (this is a compilation of cycling design elements across all of the Austroads Guides) • Australian-Spec Development Design Specifications • IPWEA Specifications and Guidelines

4.1.1 Pedestrian footpaths and walking trails

Footpaths are generally provided in urban areas sometimes on one or both sides of the road and can be sealed or unsealed. Walking trails tend to be in more rural areas or at access to open areas and bushlands, and they may or may not be sealed and may have a defined surface of crushed rock and other granular materials. They can also vary in width and gradient (slope) and sometimes have tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) at crossing points and intersections. Typically, weather / rest shelters are not provided on footpaths specifically for pedestrians seeking shelter from adverse weather and lighting requirements may vary depending on need and other requirements. Footpaths are generally two way and pedestrian movements are not controlled, however blocking of footpaths (except for approved works) is not permitted e.g. parking on a driveway where the vehicle protrudes across the footpath right of way. Cyclists are not permitted to ride on footpaths. However, children under 16 are permitted to ride on footpaths unless there is ‘no cycling’ signage installed. The exception to this is shared paths where cyclists and pedestrians share the same path. NSW road rules state cyclists must ride on the left and wear a helmet on shared facilities and ride at a speed suited to the to the environment. The following figures show typical footpaths and pedestrian facilities.