LEE DREYER says she would rather risk getting a fine for cycling along the Rose Bay promenade than risk her life riding along New South Head Rd.

She has backed Woollahra Council’s controversial proposal for a bike path on the promenade between William St and Norwich Rd.

A dedicated cycleway going in the opposite direction towards Watsons Bay would also be created on the roadway.

Local businesses owners have opposed the plan as it would result in the loss of 12 parking spaces.

Others were concerned it would increase the likelihood of clashes between cyclists and pedestrians.

But Ms Dreyer said was already riding along the footpath.

“I’m just waiting to be caught,” she said.

“Cyclists are already riding along the promenade because it’s too dangerous to ride on the road so this will just make it safer.”

media_camera Henri Sueke was killed while riding along New South Head Rd in 2015. media_camera His wife Dani has backed the proposal.

The proposal was devised after father-of-four Henri Sueke was killed riding along the busy road in May 2015.

Ms Dreyer said the proposal was the “next logical step” to create a cycle route to the city.

“It’s getting more congested with all the units going up and the way to alleviate that is with public transport and bicycles.

“Driving from Rose Bay to Double Bay can take 40 minutes if you leave at the wrong time.”

A spokeswoman for the council said feedback from the community was evenly split with 69 submissions in support and 71 against.

media_camera Local businessmen Denis O'Neil, Brendan McPherson, Neofitos Stavrou and Damien Pignolet are concerned about the parking that will be lost to make way for the cycle path.

“One of the biggest pieces of feedback we received during consultation was that people wanted separated areas for cyclists and pedestrians along the Rose Bay Promenade to improve safety,” she said.

“Others said they would be more likely to cycle around the local area and leave their cars at home if there was safer infrastructure.”

But Woollahra Councillor Andrew Petrie said it would be impossible to police cyclists and pedestrians to ensure they stay in their lanes.

A report on the proposal is due to be debated by a Woollahra Council committee on July 24 before it goes to the full council.

The State Government provided $45,000 for the design­ and consultation phases of the project in its June budget.