The Problem

The Deep Water Pump Track in Milperra  is a fantastic community asset, but accessing it has become a dangerous "game of chicken" for our children. To reach the track, young riders must cross Henry Lawson Drive - a busy arterial road where high traffic volumes and speed make standard crossings insufficient.

We are seeing a high volume of children on bikes, scooters, and skateboards attempting to judge gaps in fast-moving traffic. For a child, judging the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle is developmentally difficult. Without a definitive way to bypass or stop traffic, we are risking a tragedy every single afternoon.

Why We Need a Multi-Layered Solution (Signals & Footbridge)

While a zebra crossing relies entirely on driver attention, we believe the community deserves a solution that removes the risk of human error. We are calling for a combination of immediate signalised control and a permanent infrastructure upgrade:

• Pedestrian Actuated Traffic Signals (Short-Term): These provide an immediate, legal red light that forces vehicles to halt, giving young riders a clear "Green Man" signal to cross safely.

• A Dedicated Pedestrian & Cycle Footbridge (Long-Term): This is the "gold standard" for safety. A footbridge would completely separate children from the roadway, allowing them to cross over Henry Lawson Drive without ever interacting with vehicles. This eliminates the risk of "red-light running" and ensures the flow of traffic is not interrupted, providing a win-win for both residents and motorists.

Our Demands

We, the undersigned residents and parents, call on the Council, Government, and Transport Authorities to:

1. Immediate Signalisation: Install Pedestrian Actuated Traffic Signals at the primary access point to the Deep Water Pump Track as an urgent safety measure.

2. Infrastructure Planning: Initiate a feasibility study and funding proposal for a permanent pedestrian footbridge to provide a grade-separated crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.

3. Safety Audit: Conduct a comprehensive traffic safety audit to justify these upgrades based on the high volume of youth users and the speed of traffic on Henry Lawson Drive.

4. Interim Protection: Until these permanent solutions are in place, implement a 40km/h "High Pedestrian Activity" Zone and install oversized warning signs.

The Goal

Our community wants to see our kids active, outdoors, and healthy. But we shouldn't have to worry every time they head out with their bikes. Whether through signalised lights or a dedicated footbridge, we demand a crossing that guarantees every child who visits the pump track makes it home safely.

Sign this petition to demand a safer crossing and put child safety first!