We have officially opened several new cycleways and shared paths in Alexandria and Erskineville, giving people who choose to ride more safe options.
With the right amount of investment, new research shows the area is one of Sydney’s most popular places for getting around on a bike, with nearly one in 5 residents riding to work or study.
The new connections helping Sydneyriders get around
The longest of the new connections is a separated cycleway running along Henderson Road, Railway Parade and Bridge Street.
This 1.2km, two-way separated cycleway connects Erskineville to Eveleigh and the businesses and homes along the way.
Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO was excited to see how the dedicated infrastructure was helping make Sydney a city for cycling, walking and better public transport.
“These permanent cycleways and shared paths leave local streets safer, calmer and quieter, and our air cleaner to breathe. They’re connecting neighbourhoods, increasing transport choices, and leading to more active and healthy communities. We are making cycling easier and safer, so it is an appealing and feasible option for even more people.”
New infrastructure on Mitchell Road and Huntley Street is already helping riders get from southern areas to Alexandria, Erskineville, Redfern and beyond.
We have also recently completed dedicated cycleways along parts of Ashmore and Harley Streets. This complements new shared paths between Elliott Avenue and Buckland Street, creating connections to schools for kids and parents.
Sydney’s popular bike precinct
It’s no secret riding in Sydney is as popular as ever.
We continue to expand on the 25km of safe separated cycleways, including pop-ups, and 60km of shared paths built across our area since 2007.
Around Alexandria and Erskineville, which take in the Ashmore precinct, residents are choosing to make riding a bigger part of their daily lives.
A recent survey carried out by the University of NSW found that 19% of residents in the Ashmore precinct ride a bike to work or study. When combined with 26% of resident walking to work or study, Alexandria and Erskineville are model suburbs for active transport.
The City of Sydney’s manager of cycling strategy, Fiona Campbell, thinks this is down to giving people what they want.
“This is a case of build it and they will come. The City of Sydney has invested in safe infrastructure which is a big component. But we have also put lots of effort into educating the community and offering courses that empower people to feel confident riding in a big city like Sydney.
“We have more work to do but the signs for Sydney’s riding community look positive.”
Find out more about our cycleways and riding.
Published 25 September 2023
