For over four years the residents of Paterson Street have campaigned for a pedestrian path on Paterson Street, one of the busiest and most dangerous thoroughfares in Byron between Bangalow Road and Massinger Street.
In 2021, 57 residents signed a petition and presented in person to Byron Council to request a pedestrian path. Subsequently Council passed a resolution to make a pathway a priority. Following this resolution residents continued to highlight the issue, with many follow-up letters and photographic evidence of the dangers to pedestrians and cyclists presented to Council. Council staff responded by assuring residents that a path would be a priority.
Now we see the Active Transport Plan issued by Council for comment with no plan for a pedestrian path on Paterson Street. This street has no safe verge, 3,500 vehicles using the street each day, and parked cars on both sides of the road that force pedestrians (and runners, dog walkers, pram pushers) and cyclists into the path of traffic.
This street is the main route for pedestrians (local residents and visitors) and runners going to the lighthouse.
Council has approved numerous townhouse developments in Paterson Street which increase pedestrian numbers and vehicles but what care is taken for the safety of those residents in pursuing recreation on Paterson Street? It appears none and once again community concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
I encourage anyone who uses Paterson Street and who has safety concerns to highlight the issue by commenting on the Active Transport Plan.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
