City of Sydney have proposed new cycleways for Oxford, Liverpool and College streets. Consultation closes Fri 18 December.
It’s great that City of Sydney are working so closely with Transport for NSW around various configuration and material options of getting cycling connections installed easier, cheaper and faster (compared to the current process often involving a decade of funding and planning iterations..)
We’ve been watching the online conversation and have compiled some discussion points below.
Does BIKEast support this proposal?
Yes! This connection is a major cycling route from the Eastern Suburbs to the CBD. Our full submission can be found here.
I’ve never seen a cycleway in the middle of the road – has this been done before?
Yes!
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- Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, USA
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- Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, USA
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- Queens Plaza, New York, USA
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- Nantes, France
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- Belgrave Rd, Leicester, England
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- Barcelona
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- Leonay St, Sutherland, Australia
Why the middle of the Oxford Street?
- Longer green signal time. The centre will be continuous and reduce the waiting time. A kerbside cycleway (eg. Kent St) only gets very short green time at signals, cut off quickly to allow time for left turning cars into every side street. Centre running means cycleway users will get the full green time at almost every intersection (College and Elizabeth are more complex).
- Increased safety. To increase safety along Oxford Street with its heavy kerb operations. Away from doors, taxis dropping off, left turning cars, bus stops, maintenance/delivery vans, nightlife. Most of the injury crashes are either doorings or left side swipe / left turning cars. This centre configuration will eliminate these. And most right turns are banned, so there is less chance of right-through crashes.
- Safe and easy connections. The existing Liverpool St cycleway is on the Northern side of the road. Taylor Square access is managed via the existing “scramble crossing”.
- Smoother continuous travel. Supporting the above factors, the goal is to provide a high level of service so that riders will choose to use this facility. A slower kerbside solution may result in less riders choosing to use the facility.
Won’t it be scary cycling so close to traffic?
It’s wider than it looks! The cycleway has been designed to have plenty of room for overtaking and so you can keep further away from the traffic edge. The width is mostly going to be 3.0 to 3.5m or a bit more.
But it’s not perfect!
As with all infrastructure projects, it is not ‘set and forget’, we are all aware there will be ongoing adjustments as time goes on.
For example, since the Bourke St Surry Hills cycleway was installed in 2011, there have been many improvements such as signal improvements, alignment improvements and the amazing priority rainbow crossing! The cycleway infrastructure is one step of integrated ‘movement and place’ city building for people.
How will the annual Mardi Gras parade get through?
City of Sydney Lord Mayor has confirmed the cycleway barriers can be removed for Mardi Gras. See below for an example of the removable barriers.
How will people on bikes stop at the shops?
There are holding spaces on the cycleway at each of the intersections to allow crossing at the pedestrian signals, similar to accessing shops along Bourke St cycleway.
(BIKEast plan to advocate to Transport for NSW for cycling lanterns at these intersections, and shared paths to access the surrounding side streets.)
What’s going on with the College Street intersection?
This intersection definitely has a number of complex factors. The proposed design will enable safest travel for new and inexperienced riders. Note that College St cycling demand is tidal during peak hours, whereas Oxford Street cycling demand is ongoing at all times of the day.
Some of the online conversations with those familiar with the intersection has mentioned various movements similar to ‘hook turns’ that may occur.
What about connecting this cycleway towards Moore Park?
A great idea! However, not part of this particular project. Put that in your submission as evidence and motivation for City of Sydney to pursue in the future!
I have more questions!
Contact BIKEast, or pop it in your submission to City of Sydney!
