King Street Cycleway-a new cycleway for Sydney |
Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore and Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal today announced that construction had started on the citys first separated cycleway.
Ms Moore said the King Street cycleway demonstrated that the Citys ambitious commitment to Sustainable Sydney 2030 is being put into action.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said construction of the cycleway will help Sydney keep up with the leading international cities that were putting in similar bike infrastructure.
"World-class cities are now separating cyclists from fast moving traffic by locating cycleways between parked cars and the footpath. This is a new era in transport for Sydney. The King Street Cycleway is a crucial link that will take cyclists from east to west right through and across the City Centre eventually linking William Street, Park Street and the Pyrmont Bridge,"Ms Moore said.
"It is the first stage of the Citys Cycling Strategy which aims to increase the cycling network to almost 200 kilometres, including 55 kilometres of separated cycle lanes.
"Separating cycleways from traffic lanes increases safety by removing the conflict between cyclists and cars. The Citys research shows that Sydneysiders would cycle more if there were dedicated cycleways and better driver awareness of bicycle safety. Its what Sustainable Sydney 2030 is all about."
Minister for Roads Eric Roozendaal said the number of residents cycling to work had increased by 37 per cent in the last five years.
"More and more people are cycling, both as a way to commute and as way to keep fit. Thats why the Iemma Government invests in around 230 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure every year - NSW currently has more than 3,900 kilometres of cycleways,"Mr Roozendaal said.
"In fact, as part of next years record roads budget were spending over $40 million on cycling infrastructure projects around NSW.
"These new projects are about providing cyclists with safe facilities, where cars and cyclists each have their own space.
"The King St cycleway is a good example of how the NSW Government, the RTA and the City of Sydney can work together to produce the best result for the hardworking people of Sydney."
Ms Moore said one of the major goals of Sustainable Sydney 2030 is to deliver a combination of liveable, green and connected networks. This includes a strong focus on pedestrian and cycle networks.
The work will be undertaken in stages to minimise the impact of construction and is planned for completion in March 2009.
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ King Street Cycleway-a new cycleway for Sydney
➼ www.sydneymedia.com.au
➼ www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/2030
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