Calling the crossing ‘from nowhere to nowhere’ gets it backwards. It would serve people walking and riding between Byron Bay, Sunrise, West Byron and the Byron Arts & Industry Estate – not just future residents.
As a Byron resident of more than 20 years, I make local journeys by bike. Council has built cycling routes from Suffolk Park through town to the industrial estate, yet they repeatedly dump people at busy roads without protected crossings.
A refuge island provides no right of way. It forces children, families, and bike riders to dodge traffic, wait in a cramped island, then dodge it again. At the current ‘crossing’ on Ewingsdale Road with four lanes and vehicles accelerating from a roundabout, this is indefensible. The missing zebra crossing outside Byron High and St Finbarr’s Primary is a massive shame.
Around half of urban car trips are under five kilometres – ideal cycling distances. Transport produces about one-fifth of Australia’s emissions. For a council committed to climate action, enabling residents to replace short car trips should be fundamental. Evidence shows more people choose active transport when routes are safe and connected.
Approve the zebra crossing now, progress signals as the area grows, and incorporate both into the corridor masterplan. This crossing is not premature. It is years overdue.
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. 
