Cycle lanes across inner-Sydney have been a hallmark of Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s tenure, representing infrastructure she has ardently supported for years. However, the enthusiasm is not universally shared, notably among cyclists themselves. Just three months after the $18.5 million Oxford Street cycleway was unveiled between Hyde Park and Taylor Square, in collaboration with the state government, the project faces significant challenges.
A video capturing a typical morning rush hour reveals a conspicuous issue: as many cyclists continue to use the road as those who opt for the newly constructed bike track. The footage shows several cyclists speeding down the bus lane toward the CBD, despite the presence of a state-of-the-art bike lane mere meters away on the opposite side of the street. Observations from Yahoo News indicate this is a recurring pattern throughout the week.
A local newsagent along the new Oxford Street cycleway expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the overall benefit of the bike lanes but noting the apparent misuse. “The whole point of it was to get people off the road and using the designated lanes, so that’s not right,” she told Yahoo. “They should use it.”
Usage Figures and Public Opinion
The cycleway, which is set to extend to an existing path at Centennial Park, has faced criticism, particularly in Paddington, where detractors argue it could negatively impact businesses, exacerbate traffic issues, and pose safety risks. Despite this, the City of Sydney council defends the project, asserting that the cycleway is “well used,” with approximately 3,000 weekday trips currently.
According to the City of Sydney, the cycleway sees about 3,000 daily weekday trips, surpassing the 2,701 daily cyclists recorded at the Taylor Square junction during peak hours last year.
However, a separate assessment by the Daily Telegraph reported an average of just 391 cyclists using the intersection during peak times, highlighting a discrepancy in the reported figures.
Adjusting to New Infrastructure
Addressing the video evidence, a City of Sydney spokesperson acknowledged that “habits take time to change” and emphasized ongoing efforts to educate riders on the benefits of using the cycleway. “Studies show 70 percent of people in Sydney would like to ride a bicycle more often, but don’t feel safe to mix with vehicular traffic. We build bike lanes to support cycling as a viable transport option for those who would like to ride but don’t feel safe to do so,” the spokesperson explained.
The council remains optimistic that the completion of the final section of the project will offer a more seamless experience for cyclists, potentially increasing usage. They also reminded riders that there is no legal obligation to use cycle lanes, a sentiment echoed by Peter McLean, CEO of Bicycle NSW.
“In many instances, it’s fair to say that bicycle riders are allowed to still access the road,” McLean told Yahoo. “Sometimes there’s debris in the lanes and they’re not always well cleaned. Often, there’s access issues as well as obstructions and problems with the surface.”
Looking Forward
The controversy surrounding the Oxford Street cycleway highlights the complexities of urban infrastructure projects and the challenges of changing public habits. As the City of Sydney continues to advocate for cycling as a safe and viable transport option, the success of the cycleway will likely depend on ongoing education, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement.
As the debate continues, the City of Sydney and its partners will need to address both the practical and perceptual barriers to ensure the cycleway achieves its intended purpose of promoting safer and more sustainable urban transport.
