Ramp plan for Sydney Harbour Bridge to save cyclists’ aching muscles

THE State Government wants to create a ramp to help cyclists climb the 55 steps to the Harbour Bridge — and riders can have their say on the planned upgrade.

The State Government wants to make it easier for cyclists to get to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Picture: David Swift

CYCLISTS fed up of tackling a steep staircase to access the Sydney Harbour Bridge can have their say on planned upgrades.

State Government planners want to create a ramp to make it easier for cyclists of all levels to make their way onto the bridge.

Currently cyclists must dismount and push their bikes up a set of 55 steps at the Milsons Point end of the bridge. There is a ramp in the middle of the staircase but it can prove difficult to use.

A cyclist on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

North Shore MP Felicity Wilson has welcomed the announcement of the next stage of planning to improve access to the bridge. She believes that the project will increase the use of the scenic cycleway.

“The existing Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway is a vital link for locals enjoying the view of the harbour or commuting to and from work,” she said.

“This upgrade will dramatically improve use compared to the current situation where cyclists need to push their bikes up and down the 55 steps at Milsons Point.”

The number of cyclists has grown by two thirds over the past decade and now almost 2000 bikes cross the bridge every day. It is the busiest link in Sydney’s metro bike network.

The stairs to the bridge can be difficult to negotiate.

The development has been welcomed by the ManMos Bug cycle network.

President Tony Reeve said it can be difficult to get up and down the staircase ramp.

And he said most e-bikes cannot use it as they don’t have an idle mode.

“A lot of our members live in the area and use the ramp regularly,” he said.

“There is a lot of interest in getting this done.”

The network plan to offer feedback on the new ramp.

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An options report for the northern cycle ramp will be on display in November. This will give the community a chance to provide feedback on the proposed upgrades for cyclists.

A new cycleway will also adjoin the southern end of the bridge creating a dedicated cycle connection from the north shore to Kent Street.

Feedback on the review of environmental factors and the options report will be invited in November and will be considered when finalising the proposals.