By Cindy Yin and Megan Gorrey
A long-awaited, $18.5 million, separated bike lane along the western section of Sydney’s Oxford Street is ready to ride as debate simmers over controversial plans to extend the cycleway east.
The 1-kilometre cycleway along the northern edge of Oxford Street and part of Liverpool Street, connecting Hyde Park and Taylor Square, opens to cyclists on Friday and will link to existing inner-city bike paths along Liverpool, College and Bourke streets.
Construction has been completed on the separated cycleway between Castlereagh Street in the CBD and Taylor Square.Credit:
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the dedicated bike lane, which was originally due to open in late 2024, would provide a “crucial” link and improve safety along the popular route.
“No longer will people riding need to weave in and out of traffic, competing with trucks, cars and buses along Oxford Street.
“People walking will also benefit as the project has improved crossings at side streets, created a buffer from vehicles, calmed traffic and will reduce the instances of people riding bikes on the footpath.”
The council initially proposed a cycleway down the middle of Oxford Street but later ditched the idea in favour of a two-way bike path along the northern edge of the street.
The former was scrapped due partly to the challenge posed by events such as the annual Mardi Gras parade.
Moore has previously voiced her concerns about Oxford Street having the highest number of reported bike crashes in the council, saying a separated cycleway would improve safety for cyclists and reduce the number of riders on footpaths.
The City of Sydney has built the western section of the cycleway, from Hyde Park to Taylor Square, while Transport for NSW is planning the eastern section from the square to Centennial Park.
However, the proposed Oxford Street East cycleway has been controversial. Community consultation in 2023 found sentiment has been deeply divided over the project.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the project will be a boon to retailers along the struggling Oxford Street strip.Credit:
Of 2300 responses received as feedback to Transport for NSW, 42 per cent were in support, with 51 per cent opposed and 7 per cent neutral.
Dissatisfied Paddington residents have launched legal action against the state government and council over the cycleway, citing safety risks posed by the so-called “island” bus stops on the route.
Small-business owners are one group in particular who are worried the retail strip will suffer from construction disruption and loss of parking spaces.
However, Moore said it would be a good move for local businesses.
“We expect businesses will start seeing the benefits, too, because more people walking and riding along a calmer street will encourage visits and money spent with those hard-working owners along Oxford Street,” she said.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the cycleway was a “great step forward” in efforts towards Oxford Street’s revitalisation.
“It’s a big win for cyclists, cars and pedestrians because it improves safety on the road and the footpath,” he said.
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