A proposed new road between Bradley and Bowes Streets, as part of the new CIT Woden development, should be stopped, cycling advocacy group Pedal Power ACT and the Woden Valley Community Council maintain.

The new road, proposed by Transport Canberra and City Services, would cut through the proposed ‘CIT boulevard’, a pedestrian and cycling street that would be the main east-west connection through the middle of the Woden Town Centre and connect the CIT and new public transport interchange with the rest of Woden, the two organisations state.

The development application for the road is being considered now, but the two organisations believe it would be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, and ruin any potential of turning this area into a vibrant public space.

“The proposal would create a safety hazard by introducing through traffic into a site intended as a people-friendly place,” said Simon Copland, executive director of Pedal Power ACT, said. “The road is an accident waiting to happen.”

In the two organisations’ opinion, only emergency vehicles and vehicles setting up for events, maintenance, etc. should be permitted on the boulevard, with pop-up bollards preventing other motor vehicles from using it as a thoroughfare.

“The road is not necessary for traffic management given Easty Street is able to accommodate the north-south traffic flow following closure of Callum St,” said Fiona Carrick, head of the Woden Valley Community Council.

“This connection should be for walking and cycling only, aside from emergency and service vehicles.  “The West Plaza should be a green cool park, a destination for events and markets to create activity in the heart of Woden. It should attract people to meet and socialise and catalyse businesses around it and the town square to create community. The site is protected from the winds in the town square and has more sun, and chance of social and economic success, than the Boulevard.  

“The road connection will take a significant part of the space, and will cause a safety risk to pedestrians and cyclists. There has never been a connecting road, and it will not be missed. It is not required when there are significantly better options for the space.”  

Pedal Power also calls for adequate and conveniently located bike racks as part of the DA approval.