Oxford St cycleway consultation begins, following NSW government admission of ‘rushed’ process

With a clipboard in hand, Transport for NSW officials have hit the pavement to speak to those impacted by the contentious Oxford St cycleway project which has divided business owners and residents.

Oxford St cycleway rendering source city of sydney

With a clipboard in hand, Transport for NSW officials have hit the pavement to speak to those impacted by the contentious Oxford St cycleway project which has divided business owners and residents.

The planned cycleway - to connect Sydney’s eastern suburbs with the CBD - would permanently slash traffic lanes on Oxford St, between Taylor Square and Centennial Park, from four to two.

The proposed infrastructure is aimed at rejuvenating Oxford St, through improving its amenity, safety for cyclists and reducing congestion and noise.

Transport officials knocked on the doors of businesses between Moore Park Gates and Taylor Square on Tuesday as part of a second consultation period, announced by new Transport Minister Jo Haylen following community backlash about the previous consultation which she accepted was “rushed”.

TfNSW, which is delivering the project following initial work by the City of Sydney, confirmed views and ideas received would directly inform a new concept design set to be revealed later this year.

New artist impressions of the Oxford St East Cycleway showing parking in bus lanes, permitted during off-peak periods and weekends (subject to change). Picture: TfNSW.

However representatives from Sydney’s peak business organisations said they remained unconvinced the cycleway would deliver on Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s vision to revitalise Oxford St.

A strategic design process for the cycleway was launched by City of Sydney in 2021 and completed by TfNSW, before the design received fierce backlash from small businesses, who said concerns about traffic congestion, safety and loss of business had not been addressed.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Picture: Christian Gilles.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone.

In response, Transport Minister Jo Haylen directed TfNSW to reopen consultation with the community, businesses and councils to “develop a concept design and final business case for the project.”

Ms Haylen said outstanding concerns around the project led to the extra consultation period to ensure the project was “done right” after “the previous government rushed through the consultation process”.

Ms Moore, an ardent supporter of the development of Sydney’s cycleway infrastructure previously said the “important link” would contribute to boosting commerce on the shopping strip, which has struggled in recent years.

“Studies from other global cities prove that cycleways are great for the businesses along the route,” Ms Moore said. “A separated cycleway will improve safety for people riding and reduce the number of riders on the footpath, as well as improving urban amenity, which is great for local businesses.”

Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean.

Bicycle NSW chief executive Peter McLean said he agreed with Ms Moore’s vision, adding he hoped more robust community engagement would build excitement for the benefits of the cycleway.

“It’s critical that we get people moving more freely, and people moving freely is only a fantastic thing for local businesses,” he said.

Paddo Pets owner Sharon McCarthy said the small business revolt led to the decision to take the project back to square one.

Paddo Pets owner Sharon McCarthy, a vocal opponent who had led small business pushback, called the government’s decision to reopen consultation a “big win”, but said she wanted more information on the impact to small businesses.

“We’ve been forgotten for many years now; I think once Westfield Bondi Junction went in Oxford St has struggled,” Ms McCarthy said.

“It would be such a shame to spoil [the community] with something, especially since we weren’t consulted right from the beginning,” she said.

TfNSW representatives undertaking community consultation at Oxford St.

TfNSW representatives undertaking community consultation at Oxford St.

Paddington Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Packham said the business group wanted to see more data to show the cycleway would positively impact businesses.

He said the chamber wanted to see “evidence gathering [which] put all the facts on the table”.

“The chamber was very concerned about the proposal as it came out, because it came with no data,” Mr Packham said. “If we’re going to build the cycleway, there has to be more research done into how the street is used. And then we’ll see, is it going to be worth it?”

Ms Moore said the City of Sydney welcomed “a more extensive consultation process that involves all stakeholders.

“I’m looking forward to working with Transport NSW to get this crucial cycleway built,” she said.