Cycling
The Europeans have known it for years – cycling is an efficient, cost effective, fun and healthy way to travel in major cities. More recently, local governments in London and New York have started thinking the same.
New York City is at the forefront of a national US trend towards cycling and it has vowed to make bike riding safe and viable, even in its busiest and most densely populated areas. Cycling is so popular, the New York Times launched a regular column and blog devoted to it in 2009 called Spokes.
By 2026, the Mayor of London plans to increase cycling by 400% (on 2001 levels). The report Cycling Revolution London sets out how the city can reach its target.
The plan for Sydney 2030 is to make Sydney a cycling city – and we’re almost there already. We love cycling and plenty of our residents and people who commute to work do too.
Since our first separated bike path opened, the number of bums on bike seats has soared. Between March 2010 and March 2011, a staggering 60% more riders were clocked in the mornings and 48% more were recorded during the evening rush.
The stats speak volumes – cycling is here to stay.
We’ve been building a safe, convenient and sustainable network of bike paths. The backbone of the bike network – 10 kilometres of separated paths – is complete.
Now the focus is on upgrading 10 regional cycling routes. The first completed route is a stunning ride that links Anzac Bridge to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Towards 2030, the regional routes will include more than 160 suburbs. We’re working with 14 other councils now to improve and build on-road bike lanes, shared paths and, where possible, separated cycleways.
The City of Sydney understands that bike riders, pedestrians and drivers need to work together to share the streets, so we’ve launched awareness campaigns to reinforce the rules. We also offer free courses to help riders stay safe.
Everything’s connected
Since we started building more bike paths, we’ve received loads of wonderful feedback from a wide array of bike riders; literally, people from all walks of life. We decided to share their personal stories with all Sydneysiders through our “Everything’s Connected” campaign. Watch the first in a series of videos, starring Anthony, now.
Towards 2030 we are making Sydney a cycling city to:
- promote active transport
- reduce traffic congestion and pressure on public transport
- cut emissions
- act on climate change
- create a sustainable Sydney.
Sydney 2030: green, global and connected. Go to the strategic directions.
