72 per cent of Sydneysiders support separated cycleways and most want Sydney’s bike network built faster, a new survey has found.
The independent Taverner Research also found two thirds of those polled agree bikes help to cut congestion on roads and public transport, and they back measures to connect the bike network as part of an integrated transport solution.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City’s latest cycling strategy will help to deliver the key bike routes needed to make riding safer for everyone.
“Congestion costs our city $8 billion a year in lost productivity – a figure which will rise to $12.6 billion by 2030 if solutions such as cycling infrastructure and public transport aren’t prioritised,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We know riding a bike is not for everyone, but a safe and connected network and a bike-friendly city makes it a more viable option for many, which decreases congestion at the same time. For example, bike trips on Kent Street have increased 580 per cent since the cycleway was built and it’s now used by more people in the morning peak than the adjacent traffic lane.
“With our population growing rapidly, connecting the bike network is one of our best opportunities, but we need the state government to throw its weight behind our bike network to keep Sydney moving and globally competitive.
“The NSW Government knows a safe, connected bike network is essential to Sydney’s transport future, but critical links including King, Castlereagh, Chalmers and Liverpool Streets remain without state funding or approval.”
More than 1 million people live within a 30 minute bike ride to the city centre and each person who chooses to ride leaves a seat free on crowded buses and trains, or an extra car space on city roads.
The Taverner findings are consistent with Transport for NSW research that 70 per cent of Sydneysiders would ride a bike if there was a safe bike network[1].
It also found almost 60 per cent of people back a bike network even if it means longer car journeys in the city centre, and nearly half of non-riders living within 10 kilometres would consider riding a bike if a safe bike network was in place.
The new Draft Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2018 – 2030 highlights the City’s bike network of separated cycleways, streets with low traffic and shared paths linking people to work, study and recreation.
Since 2007, 33 per cent of the network has been built and as a result, bike trips have doubled. Key routes like Kent Street see more people using the cycling lane in peak times than the adjacent street. The new strategy prioritises the full completion of the 11 regional bike routes and most of the local bike network by 2030.
The strategy outlines progress and details four key priorities to get more people riding:
- Connecting the network: linking the bike network to make it safer for people to ride;
- Supporting people to ride: helping people to start and continue riding;
- Supporting business: partnering with employers to encourage staff to ride; and
- Leading by example: sharing our experience with our local community and with others beyond the City’s local area.
The Lord Mayor said bikes have enormous potential to cut congestion and free up capacity on public transport and our roads.
“Bike trips in our area have doubled since 2007 while the number of crashes have dropped in the same time. We’ve seen an immediate increase in the number of people riding on the sections of our bike network already built, proving safe bike connections really do work,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Cycleways provide an economic return of at least $2.68 for every $1 invested – far higher than most other transport projects – yet cycling infrastructure accounts for just $32 million or 0.6 percent of the state’s road budget.”
The City is inviting community feedback on the draft cycling strategy until 7 August 2018.
sydneyyoursay.com.au/sydneycycleways
The Taverner Research was commissioned by the City of Sydney and surveyed more than 1,000 people living within 10 kilometres of the inner city.
More information
For more information, contact City of Sydney Media Officer Mark Ames, Phone 02 9246 7395, mobile 0477 705 407 or email mames@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Jack Begbie, Phone 0481 759 580 or email jbegbie@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
[1] NSW Government Sydney’s Cycling Future