A victory for kids walking to school
“I’m delighted to see the Waverley Council supporting such an obvious and important safety feature for the community, and am very thankful to Better Streets for their support and advice along the - long - journey”
Photo of the new raised pedestrian crossing at Farrellys Ave, Bondi NSW.
Better Streets is thrilled to celebrate the recent completion of a new raised pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Farrellys Ave and Illawong Avenue Bondi NSW, right in front of a popular daycare centre, between the southern Sydney beachside suburbs of Bondi and Tamarama. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the local community, which has been advocating for this safety feature for more than two decades.
The journey to approval was not without its challenges. What began as a longstanding request by concerned residents finally gained traction about a year and a half ago, when the parents at the daycare center, local councillors, and the broader Bondi community rallied together. This collective effort was essential in navigating the often complex and slow-moving processes of council approval.
The crossing is a triumph not only for the community but also for the principles of soft mobility that Better Streets champions. This area, notorious for speeding cars and low visibility, posed a significant risk to pedestrians—especially young children. The new crossing, complete with thoughtful vegetation and a beautifully executed design, offers a much-needed safety improvement, turning what was once a danger zone into a safer, more walkable space.
This success story is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, local government and advocacy groups like Better Streets work together. The result is not just a safer intersection, but also a powerful example of how dedicated local action can lead to meaningful change.
Better Streets remains committed to promoting soft mobility and improving pedestrian safety across Sydney and around Australia. We look forward to continuing this momentum and advocating for more community-driven initiatives like this one. Here's to many more wins for our streets and for the people who walk them every day.
Refer to the Better Streets recommendation to make more crossing
https://www.betterstreets.org.au/make-more-crossings.
Refer to the Better Streets pedestrian crossing toolkit.
Refer to letter used to request council for change - download here.
Before photo of the crossing
Council drawing of the pedestrian crossing
Celebrating during construction
