Bike riding in and around the Sydney CBD will become much easier and safer for thousands of commuters thanks to a Liberals and Nationals Government commitment to build missing links in the King St and Oxford St cycleways.
Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the completion of the King St cycleway between Clarence St and Pitt St and the Oxford St East cycleway between Paddington Gates and Taylor Square were eagerly anticipated projects that will transform the way people move around the CBD and surrounding areas.
"Bike lanes create opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy happier and healthier lives while reducing congestion and saving money, which is why we're committed to building more of them right across NSW," Mr Stokes said.
"These crucial connections are the final missing links in major bike routes linking to the city. The King St cycleway will connect riders from the Anzac and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while Oxford St East will connect riders from Bondi and beyond.
"A growing number of riders are using dedicated bike lanes in the CBD, with counters showing more than 50,000 riders using Liverpool St this month alone, 45 per cent higher than the last.
The King St missing link is due for completion in 2023 and planning work on Oxford St East is expected be complete by 2023. This is in addition to a new permanent, separated bike lane set for construction along Oxford and Liverpool St, providing a critical link between Taylor Square and the CBD.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said building cycleways created a safer road environment for pedestrians and road users alike.
"Having a better connected network of cycleways is great for our city because it gives people another safe transport option," Ms Moore said.
"Active commuting can help improve health while freeing up space on our roads and public transport, and creating separated bike lanes means fewer people riding on pedestrian footpaths.
"King St and Oxford St are integral links in our cycleway network. There are more riders on these routes than anywhere in the city but there are also more crashes, so it's important we improve the infrastructure to ensure anyone who chooses to ride can do so safely."
The concept design for the King St cycleway is currently underway and the feedback is invited from 23 January to 6 February 2023. An interactive map for the Oxford St East cycleway is currently live online and the community is invited to provide feedback from 23 January until 28 February 2023.
The projects align with the recently released Active Transport Strategy, which aims to double the number of active transport trips and deliver 1000km of connected cycleways.
Provide feedback on the King Street cycleway. View the interactive map and provide feedback on the Oxford Street East cycleway.
