The Paddington Project takes over Oxford St and Oatley Rd intersection to protest cycleway

Placard-wielding protesters blocked a busy intersection to give a taste of the ‘traffic chaos’ they say will unfold if a controversial new cycleway is built.

Community protest against the proposed Oxford Street bike lane and its impact on local residents, businesses and traffic safety.

Placard-wielding protesters blocked a busy intersection yesterday to give a taste of the “traffic chaos” they predict will unfold if a controversial Paddington cycleway is built.

About 20 members of local group The Paddington Project took over the Oxford St and Oatley Rd intersection on Sunday, holding orange signs, reading “Oxford St Cycleway = traffic chaos”, while creating a human wall.

The proposed cycleway eliminates nearly all right-hand turns going east through Paddington.

“The fastest way to understand what the proposed cycleway means for motorists and residents is to show them,” group spokeswoman Britt Ruja said.

“We blockaded one of the biggest intersections to show what happens if you can’t turn right. It’s just not going to work.”

The proposed cycleway eliminates nearly all right-hand turns going east through Paddington.

Drivers going to Bondi will find no right turn at Greens Rd, Oatley Rd and Lang Rd, meaning the last remaining right will be at South Dowling St.

The next won’t be until York Rd, Bondi Junction.

“It is make or break for Paddington,” one protester said.

“If cars can’t turn right for 2km, they will naturally be funnelled into small suburban streets that can’t cope.”

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