Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Kok –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the significant increase in the delivery rider workforce across our City, particularly in the Waterloo, Green Square and Zetland areas;

(ii)        there are 2 paths running through Rope Walk Park which have become popular for cyclists travelling between Joynton Avenue, Waterloo and suburbs to the north; and

(iii)       residents in surrounding buildings have raised concerns about the path along the western side of the park, including:

(a)        safety risks, citing poor sight lines when stepping out of their properties and the speed of approaching e-bikes; and

(b)        noise disturbances at night, as this path is a timber boardwalk and rattles when ridden over;

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         City staff implemented measures to help manage rider volume and speed on paths in Rope Walk Park, including:

(a)        in 2024, the City installed sandstone blocks to slow down high speed e-bike riders on the gravel path on the eastern side of the park;

(b)        in mid-2025, signage requesting cyclists to dismount was installed on the western boardwalk path; and

(c)        in December 2025, City staff began trialling sandstone blocks as a deterrent at one end of the western boardwalk path;

(ii)        following a recent site assessment, City staff are investigating other ways to reduce rider volumes and speed along the western side of the park; and

(iii)       construction of the O’Dea Avenue cycleway will commence in 2026, providing an alternative north/south route including the Gadigal Avenue cycleway, which staff anticipate will provide a safe and fast alternative to riding in Rope Walk Park; and

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         investigate issues relating to bike delivery workers riding through Rope Walk Park to:

(a)        make deliveries to properties fronting the park; and

(b)        as through trips to destinations beyond the park;

(ii)        inform affected residents of the City’s findings of this investigation and further measures that will be taken to manage rider volumes and speeds on the western boardwalk path, including their consideration of the installation of additional sandstone bollards at both ends of the wooden boardwalk path on the western side of Rope Walk Park between Archibald Avenue near the Rope Walk Park Playground and O’Dea Avenue near Joynton Avenue; and

(iii)       report back to Council via CEO Update as soon as possible.

The motion, as varied by consent, was carried unanimously as part of an in globo motion.

X113758