Keen motorcycle rider Shane Peak has appealed to Central Coast Council to reconsider the recent removal of three dedicated cycle parking spots in the Terrigal CBD.
Peak said removing the spaces around the block encompassing Crowne Plaza – Terrigal Esplanade, Ash St, Pine Tree Lane and Kurrawyba Ave – disadvantaged the many motorcycle and scooter riders in the area.
“As a long-term resident of Terrigal and a regular user of various modes of transport, including motorcycles and scooters, I find this decision concerning and urge the Council to reconsider for several compelling reasons,” he said.
“The current parking ratio in Terrigal CBD is overwhelmingly skewed in favour of cars, with 97 per cent of the available spaces allocated to them and only three per cent to motorcycles.
“The recent removal of motorcycle parking exacerbates this imbalance, neglecting the needs of motorcyclists in our community.
“This oversight not only limits parking options for an increasing number of motorcyclists and scooters but also contradicts broader goals of reducing congestion and promoting efficient transportation.”
Peak said motorcycles and scooters were vital to alleviating traffic congestion.
“Studies show that up to six motorcycles or scooters can fit into the space required by a single car, making these vehicles exceptionally efficient in urban environments where parking is scarce,” he said.
“By reducing motorcycle parking, the Council inadvertently increases pressure on car spaces, worsening congestion and parking difficulties for all.
“Encouraging more motorcycle parking would align with Council’s objectives to improve mobility and ease congestion within the community.”
Peak said the transportation landscape was rapidly changing, with more residents opting for motorcycles and scooters due to their efficiency, lower environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness.
“This trend is not a fleeting one but represents a significant shift toward more sustainable modes of transport,” he said.
“As our community embraces these alternatives, it is essential for the council to anticipate and accommodate this shift by expanding, not reducing, motorcycle parking spaces.
“This approach would better serve current and future needs, aligning with the Council’s commitment to fostering a sustainable urban environment.”
Peak said other councils, such as Willoughby City and North Sydney, have recognised the importance of maintaining or increasing motorcycle parking.
“Gold Coast City Council is investigating the potential for allowing motorcycles to park on footpaths, which could free up car spaces and further alleviate parking pressures,” he said.
Peak said such forward-thinking policies can benefit the entire community.
He said he would seek advice and assistance from Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, the Transport Minister’s office, and the Motorcycle Council of NSW.
“Their input will be crucial in ensuring that the parking needs of all community members, including motorcyclists, are effectively met,” he said.
Peak is also advocating improved signage for motorcycle parking spaces to prevent other vehicles from encroaching on the limited areas.
“By making the signage and ground paint more prominent and visually impactful, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, including bumps and fall-overs, that pose a danger to motorcycles,” he said.
But Council says there are 15-20 motorcycle spaces available in the larger Terrigal area, including six each at The Haven and the Terrigal beachfront carpark, with riders also able to use car spaces if required.
“A traffic study for Terrigal CBD was commissioned in 2016 by Council to look to improve traffic flow (and) enhance pedestrian safety, parking and town centre accessibility and amenity,” a Council spokesperson said.
“The outcome of this study was in part, instrumental in undertaking key improvements to traffic flows to enhance traffic entering and circulating within the Terrigal CBD.
“At the same time, maintaining parking was also a key priority.
“As a result, a mix of bus and taxi zones, loading zones, accessible parking and short and longer-term parking was considered.”
Council said that more recently, to address requests from local businesses in Terrigal, a recent review of parking within Pine Tree Lane was undertaken to identify what options were available to provide short-term parking, such as 15 -minute parking, to provide improved access to the post office and nearby businesses.
“Many requests were also received for short-term parking to accommodate persons dropping off and picking up goods and passengers, such as ride share operators and food delivery services,” the Council spokesperson said.
“Following the Local Traffic Committee considering the proposal to alter parking restrictions, an additional 15-minute parking space Monday to Friday; and an additional three two-hour car parking spaces were recommended for implementation.
“As a result it was necessary to remove two or three motorcyclist parking spaces in Pine Tree Lane.
“However motorcyclists, or any vehicle driver, can utilise this 15-minute and additional two-hour parking.
“Dedicated motorcyclist parking remains available throughout the Terrigal CBD area, including (at) The Haven.
“In total about 15-20 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces are available – with motorcyclists also able to use any available car parking spaces.
Council says it will continue to monitor usage of the car and dedicated motorcyclists parking and if warranted, further consideration could be given to additional motorcyclist parking.
Terry Collins
Did the council acknowledge that there are 92 car spaces and only 3 motorcycle spaces in that block? No! It is absurd to suggest that parking at the Haven is the same as parking at Pine Tree Lane. Encourage more bikes, scooters and pushbikes int he CBD, which will improve access for businesses. Gee, the Post Office and cafe have some influence. Or is it the real estate agents parking in Pine Tree Lane influencing the council? Certainly not a community-based decision and not progressive.