Pop up cycleways and wider footpaths for inner city and eastern suburbs Sydney
Hastily erected cycleways will be rolled out in Moore Park, Paddington and Surry Hills, while footpaths will be widened in Potts Point and Darlinghurst as the government scrambles to find options for commuters heading back to the office who wish to avoid public transport.
Wentworth Courier
Don't miss out on the headlines from Wentworth Courier. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hastily erected cycleways will be rolled out in Moore Park, Paddington and Surry Hills and footpaths widened in Potts Point and Darlinghurst as government scrambles to find options for commuters heading back to the office who wish to avoid public transport.
City of Sydney council and Transport for NSW will install the cycleways along Moore Park Road and Fitzroy Street using a combination of barriers, line markings and lane dividers.
If all goes well with the “pop up” cycleway trial, another will be installed along Oxford Street through Paddington and Darlinghurst.
There will also be a rapid rollout of temporary footpath widening to support both high pedestrian activity in the CBD and support for local businesses in inner-city villages.
The busy main streets of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Potts Point have been identified as the “top priority” for footpath widening.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said around the world cities were innovating to create social distancing measures.
“We already have an extensive program of cycleways and public domain improvements, but we need short term tactical measures that can be implemented in weeks,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The infrastructure we’ve chosen will be quick and simple to implement, adaptable and inexpensive.
“As our roads have been quieter during the pandemic, many people have decided to take up cycling. We’re hoping these safe cycleway connections help people keep that up. When someone rides to work, they take a car off the road or free up space on public transport – this will be even invaluable when people start returning to the City and seek to maintain physical distancing.”
Member for Vaucluse, Gabrielle Upton MP has welcomed the move which was announced by her Transport Minister counterpart Andrew Constance.
“As a keen cyclist myself, it has been gratifying to see more residents taking up cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic for recreation as well as an alternative to driving,” she said.