New Sydney Cycleways Amid Rider Boom
Sydney, NSW
Three new cycleway links are being opened in central Sydney, coinciding with the release of a City of Sydney study that shows a considerable increase in the number of residents who cycle regularly.
The Council’s active transport survey of nearly 2,000 people shows the number of residents who ride regularly more than doubled during the past four years, rising to 18% compared to 7% in 2017.
City to Sydney is hoping to further build on this trend by creating three new cycleways that provide better connections between existing bike lanes.
The most significant is a separated, two-way cycleway along Saunders and Miller streets in Pyrmont.
It completes an almost traffic-free route from the Anzac Bridge to the city centre and is one of City of Sydney’s busiest bike routes, with more than 1,500 daily bike trips.
“This is significant data that will allow us to understand the barriers, motivations and infrastructure required to support more people walking and riding”
Clover Moore – Lord Mayor, City of Sydney
The Pyrmont route is an important link to the city centre from neighbouring local government areas, including the suburbs of Rozelle, Lilyfield, Leichhardt and Balmain.
City of Sydney also recently opened a link on Liverpool Street, improving an important route between Darling Harbour and the city centre. The new infrastructure includes a diagonal bike crossing with signals and a small section of cycleway to reduce footpath riding.
A new cycleway on Chalmers Street, near Central Station, is expected to open within the next two months. This short section of separated cycleway will link Prince Alfred Park to the existing Eddy Avenue cycleway.
City of Sydney first carried out research into cycling behaviours, attitudes and barriers in 2006 and has since completed five active transport surveys. The 2017 and 2021 surveys have also included walking.
The 2021 survey shows significant improvements in riders’ perceptions of safety, with 86% indicating they felt confident riding on the streets, up from 75% in 2017.
The research also shows the importance of separated cycleways. More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) who identified as potential riders said they were more likely to ride if separated bike paths were available.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the research provided valuable information that will be used to help people ride and walk more for travel, health and fitness.
“This is significant data that will allow us to understand the barriers, motivations and infrastructure required to support more people walking and riding,” the Lord Mayor said.
“In delivering wider, safer and higher-quality footpaths, pedestrian areas and cycling connections, we have created space for people to walk and ride – freeing up room on crowded roads and public transport and getting people into and around our city happier and healthier.”
The Lord Mayor said the Council’s investment in active transport options had proven especially valuable through the pandemic.
“When the pandemic first hit, we responded urgently with the State Government – creating more space for people in the CBD and pop-up cycleways to help people get around safely while space on public transport was limited,” she said.
“Looking for Covid-safe ways to get around and stay active through the pandemic, many people have dusted off the bike or picked one up for the first time.
“We’re committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to walk and cycle in our city has safe and enjoyable space to do so.”
View a map of the bike network including the new cycleways and read more about the active transport survey here.
Information sourced from City of Sydney website
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