All levels of government have come together to jointly fund a new, million-dollar separated cycleway on Sydney’s Oxford Street, connecting Taylor Square to Paddington Gates.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack announced that the Federal Government will contribute 50 per cent of the funding for the cycleway, which will enhance safety and livability of the Oxford Street strip.
“The Road Safety Fund is delivering lifesaving upgrades to roads right across New South Wales and whether it is in regional, rural and remote communities or right here in Sydney, we are providing the investment needed to move towards zero fatalities by 2050,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The proposed new cycleway on Oxford Street east will provide a connection to the planned Oxford Street west cycleway, which was announced in November last year as well as cycleways in the eastern suburbs.
There are more than 2,000 bike trips on Oxford Street each day and, according to the City of Sydney, it unfortunately also has the most reported bike crashes of any street in the area.
There are over 2,000 bike trips on Oxford Street every day, and that pedal is about to get a whole lot safer! pic.twitter.com/UUc82JZ7dD
— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) March 12, 2021
The addition of a separated cycleway will not only reduce the risk for people who ride but improve the amenity, accessibility and livability of the street while opening up travel options and taking Greater Sydney a step closer to a connected cycling network.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the project would benefit cyclists and business owners alike on the fabulous Oxford Street strip.
“Thousands of people ride along Oxford Street each day. Adding a separated cycleway will make it safer for cyclists and help calm traffic – creating a more pleasant environment for those on foot and the many businesses along the strip,” Ms Moore said.
“All levels of government are working together on this important project because it’s crucial for commuters and will breathe life into Oxford Street.”
The proposed Oxford Street Cycleway is the final part of the NSW Government’s Eastern Suburbs Link election commitment.
As a road safety precaution, the current COVID-19 pop-up cycleway on Moore Park Road and Fitzroy Street will be retained until the new Oxford Street cycleway goes live.
The City of Sydney is currently seeking feedback on a review of environmental factors for the cycleways on Moore Park Road, Centennial Park and Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills. This will allow the temporary pop-up cycleways to remain for up to two years.
Public feedback closes at 5pm, this Friday 9 April 2021.
Have your sayExciting news for Oxford Street this morning: millions in joint local/state/federal funding for a continuous cycleway network to improve safety, deliver street beautification, and calm traffic. Thank you @CloverMoore @AndrewConstance and @DaveSharma https://t.co/RMvXve8RCK pic.twitter.com/nI0kzrNPVI
— Alex Greenwich MP (@AlexGreenwich) March 12, 2021
From pop-up to permanent
Following a reported 40 per cent growth in rider numbers when compared to pre-pandemic numbers, the City of Sydney will look to keep the city's pop-up cycleways in place for another two years.
The Pitt Street pop-up cycleway will also become a permanent addition to the bike network.
The Pitt Street pop-up cycleway has been a stand out success, with around 6,000 bike trips a week, a growth of 500 per cent. The City of Sydney has now drawn up plans to make the cycleway, and the expanded footpath and outdoor dining space, a permanent addition.
You can have your say on the Pitt Street cycleway designs and environment factors here.
The City of Sydney also proposes retaining the remaining pop-up cycleways on council controlled roads for up to two years for further evaluation, including:
Public consultation closes at 5pm, this Friday 9 April 2021.
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