Mckenzie Mounts Up Over Mall

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday September 4, 2007

JASON GORDON CIVIC REPORTER

IT'S had its problems with drug users, violent drunks and even charity collectors, but Newcastle's Hunter Street Mall is now at the centre of a battle involving pushbikes.

Cycling through the mall is outlawed, but Councillor Ian McKenzie wants that changed and has begun formal moves to allow cyclists to ride through the mall at speeds below 10 kmh.

In his submission expected to be debated by Newcastle City Council tonight, Cr McKenzie said the mall should become a space shared between pedestrians and cyclists.

"Hunter and King streets parallel to the mall are narrow and do not have bicycle lanes," Cr McKenzie said.

"Permitting bicycles to be ridden in the mall will increase passive security and thus make the mall safer. Cycling should be encouraged, not discouraged."

The suggestion has hit a raw nerve with shopkeepers, who told The Herald they would vehemently oppose the move because it would endanger pedestrians.

All but one business owner said they had seen pedestrians hit in the mall by cyclists flouting the current ban, although in each case the incident involved teenagers on bikes.

Council general manager Janet Dore has also cast a cloud over the plan, saying any move to allow speed-limited cycling in the mall would first need to be approved by the council's traffic committee and the RTA.

"Council has received many complaints about cyclists using the mall over the years so it could be expected that any proposal would attract some controversy," Ms Dore said.

"Complaints were mainly from older people and those with small children, that bicycles ridden in the mall were potentially dangerous and made the mall an unpleasant place."

Ms Dore said it might be more appropriate to investigate lifting the ban in conjunction with plans to redevelop the mall precinct.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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