Mackay City Council's Traffic Advisory Committee includes representatives from Queensland Transport, Main Roads, Queensland Police, RACQ, Mackay City Council and Bicycle Mackay. The committee is scheduled to meet every two months to discuss significant issues concerning all forms of road transport in Mackay.
Bicycle Mackay has been represented on this committee since 1998. We have consistently argued for increased recognition of the rights of cyclists as part of the overall traffic system in this city.
Current Issues
Road un-Blocking Program
Many streets around Mackay are signposted as "No Through Road", but in reality bicycle riders can still use them as through-roads. Mackay City Council has promised to install signs saying "Bicycles Excepted" on streets that cyclists can continue to use. This means that people who are unfamiliar with the area will know that they can use the quiet streets to take a short cut.
We need to know where signs like the one above are located so we can pass them on to the council. If you know about any incorrectly signposted streets, please send us a message via our Contact Us page so we can inform the council.
This roundabout (Cnr Slade Point and Harbour Roads) is on the road that takes you to Mackay's most popular swimming beach and the quickest route from Slade Point to the city. There is no provision for cyclists to get through or around the large multi-lane roundabout. Of course that limits the ability of kids (and adults) to access harbour beach.
There has already been at least one case where a cyclist was hit by a motor vehicle and severely injured at this roundabout. Ironically, it was installed after a recommendation from the coroner following a fatal motor vehicle accident at the same location.
Bicycle Mackay raised this issue several years ago at the Mackay Traffic Advisory Committee. We were told that there would be modifications made to the roundabout during landscaping by Mackay Port Authority. We have raised the issue on several occasions subsequently. As you can see from this photo taken last year, nothing has happened.
We believe cyclists will see some action on this issue very soon.
Bicycle Mackay has been pushing for modification of obstructions on Nebo Road for a long time. We have been given various reasons but always told that the islands must remain in place. Main Roads has said it may modify this dangerous island on Nebo Road. We are hoping for something similar to the photo below to be installed.
*Roslyn Lunsford, quoted on Cairns Bicycle User Group website