In preparation for a meeting between Bicycle NSW and RTA officials at the RTA's Blacktown offices on Wednesday 4-Mar-1998, a saddle survey of conditions on the M4, from Concord Road to Wallgrove Road, was undertaken on Saturday, 28-Feb-1998 by Neil Tonkin, Leanne Rylands, and John Bignucolo of Bicycle NSW.
The prioritised list (shown below) of the survey's main points was presented to RTA officers as a summary of Bicycle NSW's concerns. The RTA officers present at the meeting were Mr Bernie Chellingworth, Mr Bruce Taggart - M4 Upgrading Project, Mr Brad Donaldson - RTA Bicycle Section.
There should be no drop off from the traffic lane to the shoulder. West of the Prospect Service Centre, the drop off is approx 60mm. In fact, any drop off is dangerous.
The shoulder surface treatment east of Prospect (uneven scraped base layer covered with a light gravel coating) is substandard. It is much worse than the surface before the upgrade. The M4 is a clear example of the RTA's ongoing failure to provide Smooth Sealed Shoulders.
Note that with bad shoulder conditions cyclists will continue to do what they are already doing, that is, ignore the shoulder completely and cycle in the left lane next to the white line.
We measured shoulder widths of 1.4m and 2.4m. The shoulder is very narrow when travelling east under Coleman St.
The shoulder must be consistently wide to accommodate the frequent parking of vehicles in the breakdown lane. This is because of actual breakdowns and people often using mobile phones. These events occur regularly causing cyclists to enter the left hand motor traffic lane to avoid these vehicles.
Ausroad 14 recommended shoulder widths must be provided at all entry and especially exits. The entrances and exits should all have shoulders marked. Vibraline to be extended at exits to bicycle crossing points.
Wide painted sections on the road where cyclists cross should be avoided. Stripes are safer for cyclists when the road is wet.
Grade separation needed, particularly at 2 lane exits (Church St).