Make Curzon Road Safer: 40 km/h for a Better Route to John Hunter Hospital

Newcastle Cycleways Movement is calling for the speed limit on Curzon Road, New Lambton, to be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h — making it safer for people riding to John Hunter Hospital (JHH).

For people cycling to JHH from the east, there is currently no direct separated cycling route. The alternative via Jesmond Park adds approximately 3-4 km to the journey.

There are only two roads providing a direct connection from the east towards Lookout Road and the hospital: Russell Road and Curzon Road.

Russell Road has a 60 km/h speed limit and carries significantly more vehicle traffic, functioning as an important connection between New Lambton and Lookout Road.

Curzon Road is already a lower-speed, lower-traffic route and is identified by the City of Newcastle as a cycling route between New Lambton and JHH. It is therefore the logical route for people wanting to cycle to the hospital.

The problem is that parts of Curzon Road become quite narrow, with no shoulder or dedicated space for cyclists to move away from passing vehicles. There are also bends where driver visibility is limited.

For confident cyclists, the road may be manageable. For many others - including less experienced riders, older people and families - these conditions can make cycling feel unsafe.

What does the NSW Speed Zoning Standard say?

The NSW Speed Zoning Standard provides six principles for determining appropriate speed limits, based on the Safe System approach.

The first is particularly relevant:

Principle 1 – Speed zones should be set to minimise harm.

The Standard says speed zones should be reviewed to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes, taking into account both the road users using the road and the nature and standard of the road infrastructure.

Importantly, it states:

“Priority should always be given to the needs and volume of vulnerable road users when setting speeds.”

The Standard also recognises that speed limits need to be appropriate for the function and characteristics of individual roads and should support the safe use of active transport.

Curzon Road's narrow sections, lack of cycling infrastructure and role as a direct cycling connection to JHH make a strong case for a lower speed limit.

40 km/h is a reasonable solution

A 40 km/h speed limit won't replace the need for better cycling infrastructure on Curzon Road or a better alternative route in the future. However, it is a relatively simple step that can make the existing route safer while longer-term improvements are considered.

We're not asking for lower speed limits on every road.

We're asking for the speed limit on this particular road to reflect its physical characteristics, its lower traffic function, its role as a cycling connection and, most importantly, the safety of people who are vulnerable if involved in a collision.

Help us make Curzon Road safer

Transport for NSW allows members of the community to request a review of speed limits.

If you support safer cycling access to John Hunter Hospital, please make a submission asking Transport for NSW to review the speed limit on Curzon Road and reduce it to 40 km/h or lower.

Suggested text for your submission

You can use the following text in your submission:

Since Curzon Road is an urban connector street and the only viable route for cyclists travelling from the east to efficiently access John Hunter Hospital (JHH), the safety of vulnerable road users should take priority over traffic volume and vehicle movement efficiency, consistent with Principle 3. The road narrows significantly in multiple sections, with no shoulder or safe refuge for cyclists to avoid passing vehicles. Accordingly, vehicle speeds should be reduced to 40 km/h or lower. When setting speed limits, priority should always be given to the safety, needs and volume of vulnerable road users.

Make your submission to Transport for NSW:

Have Your Say on Speed Limits - Transport for NSW

Every submission helps demonstrate that the community wants a safer, more direct cycling connection to John Hunter Hospital.

The route is already there. Let's make it safer to ride.