To be honest, when I started this petition, I wasn’t sure what I was doing or whether it would have any impact. I was just tired of my kids—and me—feeling unsafe twice a day during school drop-offs. Like so many of you, I wanted to feel confident that our children could cross the road safely.
As the petition gained momentum, with over 1,200 signatures from the community, it became clear this wasn’t just my concern—it was something we all felt deeply about. Together, we sent a united message that pedestrian safety on Forest Way could no longer be ignored.
Today, I’m thrilled to share that we’ve achieved Victory! Thanks to your support, persistence, and advocacy, changes are officially happening. Transport for NSW and the office of Roads Minister John Graham have confirmed the following improvements to pedestrian safety along Forest Way:
- Installation of pedestrian fencing on both sides of Forest Way between Glen Street and Wearden Road.
- Upgrade of the intersection of Forest Way and Wearden Street to improve pedestrian safety while crossing.
These upgrades follow other important steps, such as the recent reduction in the speed limit between Hews Parade, Belrose, and Mona Vale Road from 80 km/h to 70 km/h and the installation of high-friction asphalt to address crash risks.
This journey hasn’t been easy. Forest Way is a wide, busy thoroughfare with heavy vehicle traffic, making it dangerous for kids walking or cycling to school. We’ve heard heartbreaking stories of near-misses and unsafe conditions, and it’s a relief to know we’re making real progress.
While these changes are a fantastic step forward, there’s still more to do. Advocates like Michael Regan MP have called for additional measures, such as a pedestrian overpass and a 40 km/h school zone near Wakehurst Public School. These are critical steps to ensure long-term safety for everyone in our community.
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, shared their stories, and pushed for these changes. This victory is a testament to the power of community action—we made our voices heard, and together, we’re making Forest Way safer for all.
Regards, Kylie Westren