Cycling in Sydney

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, singled out Sydney in 2014 as being the worst city he had visited for cyclists.[3]

Sydney cycling network

A bike path in Birrong

For the most part, cyclists ride on the road with motor vehicles. 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,[4] 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.[5]

Subsequently, longer segregated paths have been built[6] along selected routes through the city. There had been plans to extend these separated routes,[7] however these have largely not gone ahead, and some important commuter paths, like the College Street bike path, have actually been removed 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[8]) with the support of Mike Baird, the Premier of New South Wales.

Another criticism of Sydney's separated paths is that the traffic lights preference cars over both pedestrians and cyclists.[9] 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.[10] The plan is acknowledged by Bicycle NSW, but thought to be underfunded by local bicycle groups.[11] While premier of NSW, Kristina Keneally bicycle commuted 10 km each way from the suburb of Pagewood to the CBD.[12]. The latest plan, Sydney's Cycling Future was published in December 2013[13]

Participation

The 2016 ABS census recorded that in Sydney as a whole, 0.9% of trips to and from work were completed by cyclists. The 2011 census also recorded 0.9% of trips, a 28% increase on the 2006 census figure of 0.7%.[14]

A breakdown by local government area yields the following results[15]

LGA20162011
Sydney3.63.5
Inner West3.33.9 (Leichhardt and Marrickville)
Waverley3.33.1
Randwick2.6
Lane Cove1.51.8
Northern Beaches1.32.1 (Manly only)
Willoughby1.11.3
Ryde0.7

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.[16]

Aside from building cycleways, City of Sydney has engaged in a publicity campaign,[17] subsidised cycling courses,[18] installed parking rings throughout the city[19] and subsidised bicycle parking at City of Sydney events which also fund BIKESydney (the local BUG).[20][21] New development controls have been suggested which, among other things, require increasing bicycle facilities in residential and commercial properties.[22][23] The City of Sydney's '2030 Sustainable Sydney' plan (2008) has a section dedicated to cycling.[24]

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,[25] on-going efforts to make the city more friendly to non-motorised transport are made through agreements with the NSW state government.[26]

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,[27] while proposing to reduce overall funding for cycling facilities.

Often, facilities do not extend across council boundaries. For example, lack of co-operation with Botany Bay City Council (which lacks a corresponding BUG) explains the abrupt end at the south end of the Bourke Road cycleway,[28] despite the proximity to Sydney Airport and another cycleway along the Cooks River.

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

  • City of Sydney [29]
  • Lane Cove Council[30]
  • North Sydney Council[31]
  • Willoughby Council[32]

The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet maintain a list of the councils in the Sydney region.[33]

State government

Roads & Maritime Services is the state responsible for road infrastructure and safety. Their latest bike plan was produced in December 2013 [34] They provide general cycling information.

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.[35] The NSW Roads Regulations states that a person must not ride a bicycle on any part of the Sydney Harbour Bridge other than a cycleway.[36]

Groups

Bicycle NSW 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.[37] 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.[38]

Bike Sydney[39] 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,[40] and opened an office in Sydney in 2014.

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 and the associated PushOn" Magazine maintains a list of BUGs across NSW. A rides calendar is also available on the PushOn website.[41]

Cooperatives

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

  • The Nunnery Community Bike Workshop is in Redfern and helps working bikes go back into the community.[42]
  • Bicycle Garden in Alexandria runs weekly workshops and collects bikes for asylum seekers in Sydney [43]
  • Newtwon Bike Shed runs weekly workshops and collects bikes for asylum seekers in Sydney[44]
  • Bicycles for Change collects bicycles for reuse in communities in need overseas. Currently operating from St Ives. [45]
  • Bikes 4 for Life alleviates poverty and social injustice in Australia and overseas by recycling and restoring discarded bikes [46]

University bike clubs and cycling information

Other groups

  • The Sydney Bicycle Messenger Association.[51]
  • Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club, a club for inner west Sydney cyclists.[52]
  • Bike Bus, a Sydney commuters group.[53]

As interest in cycling grows, increasing numbers of informal interest groups are emerging, such as Sydney Cycle Chic,[54] and Sydney Bicycle Film Festival.[55] Others exist as Facebook groups including I Love Sydney Bike Lanes and Cycleways[56].

Maps and routes

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

  • Cycleway Finder (NSW Government)[57]
  • Bikely[58]
  • Open Cycle Map[59]
  • Bike Yak Sydney Trails[60]

Some authors have collated maps into books.

  • Bike-it! Sydney & Cycling Around Sydney by Bruce Ashley[61]
  • Where to Ride Sydney by Simon Hayes[62]
  • New South Wales Bikepaths[63]

Rides

Regular

  • The Bicycle NSW events page regularly lists upcoming rides from various BUGs.[64]
  • Critical Mass bike ride is held monthly[65]
  • Bike Bus is a community-led service to introduce groups of people to ride a set route together, to introduce beginners to a route, or enjoy each other's company.[53]

Annual

  • 'Ride to Work Day'[66] is held in October in all capital cites.
  • 'Ride to Riverstone', Rides varying from 10–100 km in Sydney.[67]
  • Bobbin Head Cycle Classic [68]
  • 'Tweed Ride', ras in ide in tweed clothing.[69]
  • 'Sydney to the Hunter' is a 3-day ride from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, held in early September.[70]
  • 'Sydney Spring Cycle' rides various routes aimed at families, held in October.[71]
  • 'The Gong Ride' is a 90 km ride from Sydney to Wollongong, held in early November, raising money for MS Australia.[72] In 2011 more than $4 million was raised.
  • Ride of Silence The last time Sydney participated in this was 2008.[73] There was no ride in Sydney in 2010.[74]

Internet

Various BUGs, associations and other groups have active discussion pages, mailing lists and web sites.[75][76] .

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 and Sydney Ferries. Ferry access is subject to availability of space. They are not permitted on Sydney Buses.[77]

Bicycle Storage

There's a growing number of bike sheds and lockers at train stations, ferry wharves and bus interchanges. [78]

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.[79]

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.[80]

Ferries

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

Light rail

Bicycles are allowed on the Inner West Light Rail trains subject to availability of space.[83] They were also permitted aboard the former Sydney Monorail.

Services

Sydney has many cycling focused businesses offering services such as bicycle fitting, frame and custom building, bicycle hire and guided tours.

Facilities

Parking stations

The City of Sydney council offers free parking for bicycles at Goulburn Street and Kings Cross car parks[84]

Velodromes

Sydney has several velodromes including Dunc Gray Velodrome (Bankstown), which was part of the Sydney 200 Olympic Games. Also Hurstville Oval, Lidcombe Oval, Merrylands Oval and Tempe. Many velodromes have been demolished including one at Wiley Park

Criterium Track

  • Heffron Park (Maroubra) 2.04 km,[85]
  • Randwick Botany Cycle Club[86]

Events

  • 'Super Tuesday'. Sydney participates in this annual count of cyclists on the road held in March, organised by Bicycle Network.
  • Events are also listed on the Sydney Cyclist events page.[87]

Annual awards

  • The 'City of Sydney Business Awards' nominations are sought in June, with winners announced in September. A new category for "Bicycle Business" of the year was created for 2010.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Smith, Alexandra (10 January 2008). "Money wasted on cyclists: NRMA". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  2. ↑ "Cycling laws: NSW to become 'laughing stock of the world' over push for bike riders to carry ID". ABC News. Australia. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  3. ↑ "Australia 'world's worst place for cyclists', says Danish rider who's circled the globe". Daily Telegraph. Australia. 8 December 2014.
  4. ↑ "Bicycle Strategy and Action Plan". City of Sydney. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  5. ↑ Paul Bibby (4 May 2009). "Dedicated cycleway opens in the city after months of frustration". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  6. ↑ Matthew Moore (13 October 2012). "Sydney bridges the gap as new city cycleway opens". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012.
  7. ↑ Cycling, City of Sydney, archived from the original on 8 September 2013
  8. ↑ "The Guardian". 25 August 2015.
  9. ↑ "Sydney Morning Herald". 5 June 2012.
  10. ↑ "NSW BikePlan". NSW Government. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012.
  11. ↑ "Cycle groups slam project". Inner West Courier. 21 May 2010. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012.
  12. ↑ Matthew Moore (20 March 2010). "Dream ride, but cycling still faces uphill battle". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  13. ↑ "Sydney's Cycling Future". Transport for NSW.
  14. ↑ Jacob Saulwick (30 October 2012). "More people using public transport in Sydney – but car still wins the day". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  15. ↑ http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/Home/2016%20Census%20Community%20Profiles. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ↑ "Cycling – City of Sydney". Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  17. ↑ "Bicycle Culture by Design: Get Home Faster in Sydney". Copenhagenize.com. 11 August 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  18. ↑ "Cycling – City of Sydney". Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  19. ↑ "Cycling – City of Sydney". Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  20. ↑ "Cycling Events". City of Sydney. Archived from the original on 20 April 2012.
  21. ↑ "Bike Valet Parking". BIKESydney. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  22. ↑ Kelsey Munro (2 September 2010). "Fewer car spaces and better deal for cyclists". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  23. ↑ Matthew Moore. "Balconies and bike spaces to be compulsory under new city vision". The Sydney Morning Herald. The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012.
  24. ↑ "Cycling: Building a bicycle network". City of Sydney. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011.
  25. ↑ Paul Tatnell (6 May 2010). "Plan to close Sydney's George Street to traffic". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  26. ↑ Andrew West (13 September 2010). "Pedestrians rule in big city slowdown". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  27. ↑ "Parramatta City Council First in NSW to Retro Fit Secure Bicycle Parking | Parramatta City Council". Parracity.nsw.gov.au. 15 July 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  28. ↑ "Cyclepath in Bourke Road, Alexandria". Sydney Cyclist. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  29. ↑ Cycle Network - City of Sydney, City of Sydney
  30. ↑ Cycling, Lane Cove Council
  31. ↑ "Cycling in North Sydney". North Sydney Council.
  32. ↑ "Cycling". Willoughby Council.
  33. ↑ "Local Council Boundaries". NSW Government Department of Premier and Cabinet. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  34. ↑ "sydneys-cycling-future".
  35. ↑ "Contra-flow no lane". City of Sydney. Archived from the original on 23 April 2012.
  36. ↑ Roads (General) Regulation, 2000 (NSW)
  37. ↑ "About Bicycle NSW". Bicycle NSW. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  38. ↑ "Bicycle NSW History". Bicycle NSW. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  39. ↑ Bike Sydney - Our History, Bike Sydney, retrieved 1 April 2015
  40. ↑ https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/join-us/171/
  41. ↑ "Rides Calendar". Bicycle NSW. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  42. ↑ Cycle Recycle, Bikeclub.wordpress.com, retrieved 29 October 2013
  43. ↑ Bicycle Garden
  44. ↑ Newtown Bike Shed
  45. ↑ Bicycles for Change
  46. ↑ Bicycles 4 Life
  47. ↑ "Cycling". Sydney University.
  48. ↑ "UNSW Bike Club".
  49. ↑ "Contact". Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  50. ↑ "Cycling to UTS". University of Technology Sydney.
  51. ↑ "Sydney BMA". Sydney Bicycle Messenger Association. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  52. ↑ "Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club".
  53. 1 2 "Bike Bus". Bike Bus.
  54. ↑ "Sydney Cycle Chic". Archived from the original on 9 August 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  55. ↑ Sydney Bicycle Film Festival, retrieved 18 September 2013
  56. ↑ "I ♥ Sydney Bike Lanes & Cycle Ways".
  57. ↑ "Bicycleinfo CyclewayFinder". Bicycleinfo.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  58. ↑ "Routes at". Bikely.com. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  59. ↑ "the OpenStreetMap Cycle Map". OpenCycleMap.org. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  60. ↑ "Bike Trails". Bigyak.net.au. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  61. ↑ "Bike-it! cycling books, tours, rides and info". Bike-it.com.au. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  62. ↑ "Where to Bike. Cycling guidebooks for everyone". Bicyclingaustralia.com. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  63. ↑ "Bike Paths". Bike Paths. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  64. ↑ https://bicyclensw.org.au/events/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  65. ↑ "Critical Mass Sydney".
  66. ↑ "Ride2Work – Bicycle Network". Bv.com.au. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  67. ↑ "Ride 2 Riverstone Charity Cycling Event – Home". Ride2riverstone.com.au. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  68. ↑ "Home - Bobbin Head Cycle Classic".
  69. ↑ "Sydney Tweed Ride".
  70. ↑ "Sydney to The Hunter".
  71. ↑ "Ride the Bridge!". Spring Cycle. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  72. ↑ "Home".
  73. ↑ "Sydney Ride of Silence – 24th May 2008". Sydney Cyclist. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  74. ↑ "Ride of Silence – Sydney". Sydney Cyclist. 19 May 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  75. ↑ "Sydney Cyclist".
  76. ↑ "Bicycle Network Australia".
  77. ↑ "Travelling with bikes and surfboards".
  78. ↑ "Bike sheds and lockers".
  79. ↑ "Station details". Cityrail.info. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  80. ↑ Bikes on the train, Sydneycyclist.com, retrieved 29 October 2013
  81. ↑ "Welcome to". Manly Fast Ferry. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  82. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions". FantaSea Cruising. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  83. ↑ "Special Needs".
  84. ↑ "Car parks – City of Sydney". Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  85. ↑ "heffron park, sydney – Google Maps". Maps.google.com.au. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  86. ↑ "Location - The Randwick Botany Cycling Club". Randwickbotanycc.com. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  87. ↑ "Events". Sydney Cyclist. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
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