Oxford St cycleway: Paddington residents, businesses deliver letter and submissions to Transport Minister

In an act of solidarity against contentious plans for a cycleway through the heart of Oxford St, a letter and almost 400 submissions have been hand-delivered to the Transport Minister in a bid for local voices to be heard.

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.

In an act of solidarity against contentious plans for a cycleway through the heart of Oxford St, a letter and almost 400 submissions have been hand-delivered to the state’s Transport Minister in a bid for local voices to be heard.

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.

Controversial plans for a proposed cycleway on one of Sydney’s busiest roads were reopened for debate last month in an extraordinary step Transport Minister Jo Haylen, following criticism from residents and business owners.

The proposed infrastructure is aimed at rejuvenating Oxford St – which currently has a 50km/h speed limit – through improving its amenity, safety for cyclists and reducing congestion and noise.

The reopened consultation period for the cycleway plans closed on Monday with prominent locals – including politician Kathryn Greiner and former Prime Minister Paul Keating’s ex-wife Annita van Iersel – banding together in writing to the state’s Transport Minister.

Paddington Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Packham before delivering the objection letters to Transport Minister Jo Haylen's office.

A letter, obtained by this publication, was hand delivered to Ms Haylen’s office on Monday, containing 387 submissions and ranging from one-liners to four page detailed letters.

Sydney state MP Alex Greenwich and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore are to be sent an online version, including 21 further submissions.

The letter cites three major points, including “incomplete exploration and understanding” of how Paddington residents use Oxford St, “failure to recognise the intricate interconnections”, and “disproportionate balance” in favour of the cycleway at the expense of road users.

Paddington Fine Wines owner Stephen Harris said he hadn’t met anyone who thought the cycleway was a good idea. Picture: Julian Andrews.

Paddington Fine Wines owner Stephen Harris, a cyclist himself, and one of the many signees for Ms Haylen’s letter, said he hadn’t met a “single person” who thought the cycleway was a good idea.

“I’m standing in my store and I’m a resident [as well] and all I do is discuss this, it’s a major distraction in everyone’s life,” Mr Harris said.

“No one’s been able to tell me why it’s a good idea and how it’s going to double my business and add value to the community.”

As part of Mr Harris’ submissions, he pointed to comments previously made by Ms Moore about Oxford St commuters needing three lanes to get in and out of the city during peak traffic times.

He questioned why now it only required two lanes and how a reduction in parking would “negatively impact” the Woollahra, Paddington, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst shopping precincts.

TfNSW representatives undertaking community consultation at Oxford St.

TfNSW representatives undertaking community consultation at Oxford St.

Much-like others who’ve opposed the project, Mr Harris said the downfall of businesses at Kensington and Kingsford “should [have] been enough” to stop its development”.

He added, “one lane either way” for the majority of the day would impede important emergency services and possibly result in “loss of life”.

In a statement, Paddington residents said the consultation period was “flawed” and detailed how very few residents had been “properly consulted”.

Senator Andrew Bragg, a Paddington resident, said he shared a similar feeling to “many small business owners and residents” in opposing the cycleway.

He said a genuine consultation “would show the flaws” in the proposal.

A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesman said staff had doorknocked 330 businesses, and spoke to 150 people at three pop-up sessions and that more than 1300 people had responded to the survey.

“The main concern raised to date has been in relation to potential parking loss however, there has also been strong support for aspects of the cycleway, including the opportunity to rejuvenate Oxford St and improve safety for all road users,” he said.

The feedback will now being “carefully analysed”.

Woollahra Council will tonight vote to reiterate its previous support for the strategic design of the cycleway and note the reopened consultation period by TfNSW.