Cycling in Sydney explained

Cycling in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia takes place for recreation, commuting and as a sport. Sydney has a hilly topography and so may require a slightly higher level of fitness from cyclists than flatter cities such as Melbourne and Canberra. Sydney depends heavily on motor vehicles where traffic and public transport operate at capacity. This means that cyclist are often competing with motorists for limited space on busier roads, and for limited government resources for expenditure on road infrastructure.[1] In its favour, Sydney has a generally mild climate and there are active cycling groups.

In 2015 the NSW Government enacted legislation[2] that increased fines for many offences that are considered by some as trivial or even legal in most other countries, such as riding without a helmet.

Cycling in Australia has, until recently, been a minority interest sport, and hostility on the road is also common. One Danish cyclist, Thomas Andersen, who had cycled around the world for four years, more than 30,000 kilometres through 25 countries from Europe to Asia to Australia to South America, singled out Sydney in 2014 as being the worst city he had visited for cyclists.[3]

Sydney cycling network

See main article: Bike Paths in Sydney.

For the most part, cyclists ride on the road with motor vehicles (current regulations only permit cyclists under 16 years old to ride on the footpath.[4] Historically, bicycle infrastructure was largely constructed in areas for recreational riding or along shared paths such as in parks. Prior to the involvement of Jan Gehl, the City of Sydney created a Bicycle Action Plan in 2007,[5] part of which involved building physically separated cycleways. In May 2009, the first of these, a 200m stretch along King Street in the CBD opened.[6] In the following decade the number of commuter cycling trips doubled and the City of Sydney produced a Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2018 - 2030. The plan sets out to prioritise connecting the cycleway network, supporting people to ride, supporting business to support their employees to ride and to lead by example.[7]

Subsequently, longer segregated paths have been built[8] along selected routes through the city. There had been plans to extend these separated routes, however these have largely not gone ahead, and some important commuter paths, like the College Street bike path, have actually been removed in 2015 at the insistence of Duncan Gay, the former Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight (who has openly described himself as "the biggest bike lane sceptic in government"[9]) with the support of Mike Baird, a former Premier of New South Wales.

Another criticism of Sydney's separated paths is that the traffic lights preference cars over both pedestrians and cyclists.[10] Not only are cyclists critical of the reported difficulty in triggering a light change, they are also unhappy that priority is afforded to cars by default, in much the same way that pedestrians must push a button before being included in the traffic light sequence.

Coinciding with the City of Sydney's new investment in cycleways, the state of NSW has repeatedly released statewide plans for bicycle infrastructure, including in 2010, BikePlan NSW.[11] The plan is acknowledged by Bicycle NSW, but thought to be underfunded by local bicycle groups.[12] While premier of NSW, Kristina Keneally bicycle commuted 10 km each way from the suburb of Pagewood to the CBD.[13]

Participation

The National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey for 2023 found the following participation rates for cycling in Sydney [14]

Planning and government

Local government

One of the aims of BikePlan 2007–2017 is increasing total percentage trips in the city from 2% to 5% by 2011.[15]

Aside from building cycleways, City of Sydney has engaged in a publicity campaign,[16] subsidised cycling courses,[17] installed parking rings throughout the city[18] and subsidised bicycle parking at City of Sydney events which also fund BIKESydney (the local BUG).[19] [20] New development controls have been suggested which, among other things, require increasing bicycle facilities in residential and commercial properties.[21] [22] The City of Sydney's '2030 Sustainable Sydney' plan (2008) has a section dedicated to cycling.[23]

Cooperation with other associations is often required. For example, the two bridges leading into the CBD are controlled by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (Pyrmont Bridge), and the RMS (Sydney Harbour Bridge). The NSW government, through the RMS, control all traffic lights (including along cycleways), arterial roads and speed limits. Although there are plans to limit major CBD roads to private cars,[24] on-going efforts to make the city more friendly to non-motorised transport are made through agreements with the NSW state government.[25]

Other city councils also have bicycle plans of varying scope, based on funding, local demand, and current facilities. In July 2010, Parramatta City Council installed secure bicycle storage area in their city areas,[26] while proposing to reduce overall funding for cycling facilities.

Many councils maintain detailed information about cycling in their region. Some examples are:

State government

Transport for NSW is the state responsible for road infrastructure and safety. Their latest bike plan was produced in 2022.[29]

Regulations

It is not uncommon for bicycles to be allowed thoroughfare where cars are not. These may be labelled "bicycles excepted", "shared zones" etc. Contraflow lanes have been installed on some one-way streets specifically for bicycles.[30]

Groups

Bicycle NSW[31] is a member-based association representing bicycle users across New South Wales since 1976 and boasts a membership of 15,000+ members, supporters and subscribers.[32] Launched as the Bicycle Institute of NSW to advocate for the use of bicycles for transport, they continue to advocate for the essential infrastructure and education to improve rider safety, and host a series of events to increase participation and rider experiences. Membership of Bicycle NSW includes personal accident and third party liability insurance when riding and a range of other benefits.[33]

Bike Sydney is a not-for-profit community Bicycle User Group (BUG) organisation established in 2000 to lobby state and local government and has since expanded beyond advocacy and is involved in cycling events and services around Sydney.

Bicycle Network, originally Bicycle Victoria, is one of the largest cycling membership organisations in the world, with 45,000 members in 2015.

BUGs

Many local Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) operate to assist and advocate for cyclists through an official Affiliation or friendly association with Bicycle NSW. Bicycle NSW maintains a list of BUGs across NSW.[34] A rides calendar is also available.[35]

Cooperatives

Sydney has several community based bicycle cooperatives or organisations. Their activities include repair workshops, bike recycling, training and education.

University bike clubs and cycling information

Other groups

As interest in cycling grows, increasing numbers of informal interest groups have emerged, such as Sydney Cycle Chic,[43] and Sydney Bicycle Film Festival. Others exist as Facebook groups including I Love Sydney Bike Lanes and Cycleways.[44]

Maps and routes

See main article: Bike Paths in Sydney.

Many councils provide cycling maps in paper and downloadable format. The NSW government provides a similar service

Several collaborative mapping services are available, some using Google Maps for their base layer

Bike riding experiences are published in these magazines.

Rides

Regular

Annual

Internet

Several groups have active discussion boards and web sites.[57] [58] [59]

Public transport

Due to Sydney's geography, trains and ferries complement cyclists well. For example, trains can take you to the start of some great cycling rides in Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park, or a ferry across Sydney harbour can shorten a cycling trip by not having to rely on limited bridge crossings. Ferry wharves are also frequently beyond walking distance from surrounding facilities.

Travelling with a bicycle

Bicycles are permitted free of charge on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and Sydney Ferries. Ferry access is subject to availability of space. They are not permitted on Sydney Buses.[60]

Bicycle Storage

There's a growing number of bike sheds and lockers at train stations, ferry wharves and bus interchanges.[61]

Trains

Sydney Trains railway stations have an uneven amount of bicycle parking

Those transporting a bicycle on a train will notice that not all stations have ramps or lifts to get to the train platform.[62]

Most city trains do not have specific provision for bicycles, aside from the vestibule area. Intercity trains operating Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast frequently have a single hook at the end of the carriage.

Ferries

Private operators may allow bicycles on board, sometimes for a fee, but it is worth checking before travelling. Private ferry services include:

Light rail

Bicycles are allowed on all Light Rail services subject to availability of space.[64] They were also permitted aboard the former Sydney Monorail.

Services

Sydney has many cycling focused businesses offering services such as courses to build confidence and learn how to ride safely on road,[65] bicycle fitting, frame and custom building, bicycle hire and guided tours.[66]

Facilities

Parking stations

The City of Sydney council offers free parking for bicycles at Goulburn Street and Kings Cross car parks[67] There are also a number of bike sheds and lockers in the city including opal card operated security parking such as at Redfern and Green Square train stations.[68]

Velodromes

Sydney has several velodromes including the indoor Dunc Gray Velodrome (Bankstown), which was part of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Outdoor tracks are located Hurstville Oval, Lidcombe Oval, Merrylands Oval and Tempe. Many velodromes have been demolished including sites at Wiley Park, Camperdown and Surry Hills.

Criterium Track

Events

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Money wasted on cyclists: NRMA . . 10 January 2008 . 10 December 2016 . Smith, Alexandra .
  2. News: Cycling laws: NSW to become 'laughing stock of the world' over push for bike riders to carry ID . . Australia . 22 December 2015 . 6 December 2016 .
  3. News: Australia 'world's worst place for cyclists', says Danish rider who's circled the globe . Daily Telegraph . Australia . 8 December 2014 .
  4. [Cycling in New South Wales#Regulations]
  5. Web site: Bicycle Strategy and Action Plan. City of Sydney . 29 October 2013.
  6. News: Dedicated cycleway opens in the city after months of frustration. Paul Bibby. The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 18 September 2013. 4 May 2009. 7 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107070943/http://www.smh.com.au/national/dedicated-cycleway-opens-in-the-city-after-months-of-frustration-20090503-argv.html.
  7. Web site: Cycling strategy and action plan. 6 October 2023 .
  8. News: Sydney bridges the gap as new city cycleway opens. Matthew Moore. The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 13 October 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107070953/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-bridges-the-gap-as-new-city-cycleway-opens-20101012-16hsv.html. 7 November 2012.
  9. News: The Guardian. 25 August 2015.
  10. Web site: Sydney Morning Herald. 5 June 2012.
  11. Web site: NSW BikePlan. https://web.archive.org/web/20120111073545/http://www.nsw.gov.au/bikeplan. 11 January 2012. NSW Government.
  12. News: Cycle groups slam project. 21 May 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120313053940/http://inner-west-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/cycle-groups-slam-project/. 13 March 2012. Inner West Courier.
  13. News: Dream ride, but cycling still faces uphill battle. Matthew Moore. 20 March 2010. 18 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107070948/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dream-ride-but-cycling-still-faces-uphill-battle-20100319-qma9.html. 7 November 2012. The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media.
  14. Web site: Munro . C. . National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey 2023 . Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ) . 9.
  15. Web site: Cycling – City of Sydney . Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au . 18 September 2013.
  16. Web site: Bicycle Culture by Design: Get Home Faster in Sydney . Copenhagenize.com . 11 August 2010 . 18 September 2013.
  17. Web site: Cycling – City of Sydney . Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au . 18 September 2013.
  18. Web site: Cycling – City of Sydney . Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au . 18 September 2013.
  19. Web site: Cycling Events. https://web.archive.org/web/20120420202015/http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CyclingEvents.asp. 20 April 2012. City of Sydney.
  20. Web site: Bike Valet Parking . BIKESydney . 18 September 2013.
  21. News: Fewer car spaces and better deal for cyclists. Kelsey Munro. 2 September 2010. 18 September 2013. The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 7 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107071111/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fewer-car-spaces-and-better-deal-for-cyclists-20100901-14nnj.html.
  22. News: Balconies and bike spaces to be compulsory under new city vision. Matthew Moore. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://web.archive.org/web/20121108081801/http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/balconies-and-bike-spaces-to-be-compulsory-under-new-city-vision-20101011-16g2x.html. 8 November 2012.
  23. Web site: Cycling: Building a bicycle network. https://web.archive.org/web/20110807130806/http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/2030/thedirections/Cycling.asp. 7 August 2011. City of Sydney.
  24. News: The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Plan to close Sydney's George Street to traffic. 7 November 2012. 18 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107191453/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/plan-to-close-sydneys-george-street-to-traffic-20100506-ubg0.html. Paul Tatnell. 6 May 2010.
  25. News: Pedestrians rule in big city slowdown. Andrew West. The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 September 2010. 18 September 2013. 12 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130512232612/http://smh.drive.com.au/roads-and-traffic/pedestrians-rule-in-big-city-slowdown-20100912-156zc.html.
  26. Web site: Parramatta City Council First in NSW to Retro Fit Secure Bicycle Parking | Parramatta City Council . Parracity.nsw.gov.au . 15 July 2010 . 18 September 2013 . https://archive.today/20120805125635/http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/home/media/2010/july_2010/parramatta_city_council_first_in_nsw_to_retro_fit_secure_bicycle_parking . 5 August 2012 . dead .
  27. Web site: Cycling - North Sydney. North Sydney Council.
  28. Web site: Cycling. Willoughby Council.
  29. Web site: Active Transport Strategy. 20 January 2023 .
  30. Web site: Contra-flow no lane. City of Sydney.
  31. Web site: Best bicycle & Bicycle NSW News in South Wales, Australia . Bicyclensw.org.au . 2023-02-11.
  32. Web site: About Bicycle NSW. Bicycle NSW. 18 September 2013.
  33. Web site: Bicycle NSW History. Bicycle NSW. 18 September 2013.
  34. Web site: Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) .
  35. Web site: Home . Bicyclensw.buncheur.com . 2023-01-24 . 2023-02-11.
  36. Web site: Cycling . Sydney University.
  37. Web site: UNSW Bike Club. Facebook.
  38. Web site: Contact. 18 September 2013. 13 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130513055310/http://www.unswbikeclub.org.au/about-us/.
  39. Web site: Cycling to UTS. 23 October 2013. University of Technology Sydney.
  40. Web site: Bike Bus. Bike Bus.
  41. Web site: Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club - Rides. www.dhbc.org.au.
  42. Web site: Neo Cycling Club.
  43. Web site: Sydney Cycle Chic. 18 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130809151156/http://www.sydneycyclechic.org/. 9 August 2013.
  44. Web site: I ♥ Sydney Bike Lanes & Cycle Ways. Facebook.
  45. Web site: Cycleway Finder. Transport for NSW.
  46. Web site: the OpenStreetMap Cycle Map . OpenCycleMap.org . 29 October 2013.
  47. Web site: Bike Trails . Bigyak.net.au . 29 October 2013.
  48. Web site: Recent cycling news. Bicyclingaustralia.com. 29 October 2013.
  49. Web site: Ride2Work – Bicycle Network . Bv.com.au . 29 October 2013.
  50. Web site: Home - Bobbin Head Cycle Classic.
  51. Web site: Sydney Tweed Ride. Facebook.
  52. Web site: Sydney to the Hunter Cycling Classic | Cycling Event Calendar . 16 October 2019 .
  53. Web site: Ride the Bridge! . Spring Cycle . 22 October 2013 . 29 October 2013.
  54. Web site: Home. MS Gong Ride.
  55. Web site: Sydney Ride of Silence – 24th May 2008 . Sydney Cyclist . 29 October 2013.
  56. Web site: Ride of Silence – Sydney . Sydney Cyclist . 19 May 2010 . 29 October 2013.
  57. Web site: Sydney Bike Commuters (Regular and New). Facebook.
  58. Web site: New South Wales - Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia. www.bicycles.net.au.
  59. Web site: BIKESydney. Facebook.
  60. Web site: Travelling with bikes and surfboards. Customer Experience Division. Transport for NSW. transportnsw.info.
  61. Web site: Bike sheds and lockers.
  62. Web site: Station details. Cityrail.info. 29 October 2013.
  63. Web site: Frequently Asked Questions . Fantasea Cruising.
  64. Web site: Bike riders to benefit from light rail. 6 April 2020. 19 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200419002502/https://sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/news/bike-riders-benefit-light-rail. dead.
  65. Web site: Bicycle Safety Courses in Sydney - Pedal Set Go.
  66. Web site: Things to see and do - Centennial Parklands - Cycle hire . Centennial Parklands . 2023-02-11.
  67. Web site: Parking a bike in Sydney – City of Sydney . Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
  68. Web site: Bike sheds and lockers . 2 May 2019.
  69. Web site: Heffron Park Criterium Cycle Track. 15 May 2020 .
  70. Web site: Ride Better With Randwick. Randwickcc.com.au .

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