- Cycling in Sydney
-
Cycling in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia takes place for recreation, commuting and as a sport. Sydney has a hilly topography, is heavily dependent on motor vehicles where traffic and public transport operate at capacity, and has few dedicated cycleways. Participation rates lag behind most of the other Australian state capitals.
In its favour, Sydney has a generally mild climate and there are active cycling groups. In recent years, rates of cycling as a mode of transport is slowly rising. RTA bicycle counters have recorded a 57% increase in daily trips in Sydney from 2002 to 2007.[1] There is more investment at the local government level to increase the percentage of trips completed by bicycle.
Contents
Sydney cycling network
Main article: Bike Paths in SydneyFor 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[2] 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.[3]
Subsequently, longer segregated paths have been built[4] along selected routes through the city, with more planned.[5]
Coinciding with the City of Sydney's new investment in cycleways, the state of NSW have repeatedly released statewide plans for bicycle infrastructure, the latest of which is BikePlan NSW 2010.[6] The plan is acknowledged by Bicycle NSW, but thought to be underfunded by local bicycle groups.[7] The former NSW State Premier Kristina Keneally would bicycle commute 10 km each way from the suburb of Pagewood to the CBD.[8]
Local government planning
One of the aims of BikePlan 2007–2017 is increasing total percentage trips in the city from 2% to 5% by 2011.[9]
Aside from building cycleways, City of Sydney has engaged in a publicity campaign,[10] subsidised cycling courses,[11] installed parking rings throughout the city[12] and subsidised bicycle parking at City of Sydney events which also fund BIKESydney (the local BUG).[13][14] New development controls have been suggested which, among other things, require increasing bicycle facilities in residential and commercial properties.[15][16] The City of Sydney's '2030 Sustainable Sydney' plan (2008) has a section dedicated to cycling.[17]
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 RTA (Sydney Harbour Bridge). The NSW government, through the RTA, control all traffic lights (including along cycleways), arterial roads and speed limits. Although there are plans to limit major CBD roads to private cars,[18] on-going efforts to make the city more friendly to non-motorised transport are made through agreements with the NSW state government.[19]
Other city councils also have bicycle plans of varying scope, based on funding, local demand, and current facilities. North Sydney Council will require state or federal funding to build a bicycle path from the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge[20] cycle path. In July 2010, Parramatta City Council installed secure bicycle storage area in their city areas,[21] while proposing to reduce overall funding for cycling facilities.[22]
Often, facilities do not extend across council boundaries. For example, lack of cooperation with Botany Bay City Council (which lacks a corresponding BUG) explains the abrupt end at the south end of the Bourke Road cycleway,[23] despite the proximity to Sydney Airport and another cycleway along the Cooks River.
Groups
The statewide bicycle body is Bicycle NSW.
BUGS
Local bicycle user groups (BUGs) are the first port of call for any cyclist. PushOn.com.au maintains a list of local bicycle user groups in NSW. Ride schedules are also released monthly on PushOn.com.au in association with Bicycle NSW.
University bike clubs
Other groups
- Sydney Bicycle Messenger Association
- Cycle Recycle - The Nunnery Community Bike Workshop
- Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club, track racing
- Bike Bus
- I Love Sydney Bike Lanes and Cycleways Non-aligned Facebook Page
Local businesses who employ significant numbers of cyclists may sometimes provide facilities for their staff.
As interest in cycling grows, increasing numbers of informal interest groups are emerging, such as Sydney Cycle Chic, Sydney Bicycle Film Festival. Others exist as Facebook groups including I Love Sydney Bike Lanes and Cycleways with over 4,200 members,[24] emerging in response to extreme harsh criticism of new segregated cycleway construction along Bourke Street in mid-2010.[25][26]
City of Sydney city council disseminates information through a mailing list and social media at Sydneycycleways.net.
Maps and routes
Main article: Bike Paths in SydneyMany councils provide cycling maps in paper and downloadable format. The RTA[27] provides a similar service.
Several collaborative mapping services are available, using Google Maps for their base layer
Some authors have collated maps into books.
- Bike-it! Sydney by Bruce Ashley
- Where to Ride Sydney by Simon Hayes
- Bikepaths
Scheduled rides are released monthly on PushOn in association with Bicycle NSW.
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 others company. This service has been the inspiration for another Bike bus in the UK.[28]
Internet
Various BUGs and bicycle groups have active discussion pages, mailing lists, and social media sites. Local bicycle-related topics are frequently discussed at SydneyCyclist and the NSW subforum at the Bicycle Network Australia forums.
BikeLove is a locally produced radio program on 2SER-FM & available as a podcast.[29]
Government
The Roads and Traffic Authority is the main state body
Councils
Many councils maintain detailed information about cycling in their region. Some good examples are:
For a list of all councils in the Sydney region, see here
Regulations
See here for the road rules that apply to cyclists in New South Wales.
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]
Facilities
Parking stations
The City of Sydney council offers free parking for bicycles at Goulbourn Street and Kings Cross car parks[31]
Velodromes
- Dunc Gray (Bankstown)
- Tempe, Bayview Avenue
Criterium Track
Public transport
Due to Sydney's geography, trains and ferries complement cyclists well. Neither service has a strong "Park and Ride" emphasis, making access for cars inconvenient. Ferry wharves are also frequently beyond walking distance from surrounding facilities.
Trains
CityRail trains stations have an uneven amount of bicycle parking. Secure bike lockers are provided at some train stations,[32] while many stations do not even have bicycle racks.
Bicycles are permitted on CityRail trains free of charge except during the peak hours of 6 to 9am and 3.30 to 7.30pm on weekdays. During these times, a child's ticket should be purchased for the bicycle in addition to the cyclist's ticket. It is worth noting that this policy is not strictly enforced. If you begin your journey at a station that is not staffed or has few commuters, you may avoid paying the extra fare.
Those transporting a bicycle on a train will notice that not all stations have ramps or lifts to get to the train platform.[33]
Most city trains do not have specific provision for bicycles either, 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.[34][35]
Ferries
Sydney Ferries provide lockers at some wharves.[36] Bicycles are allowed on Sydney Ferries vessels for free, subject to availability of space.[37]
Private operators may also allow bicycles, but it is worth checking before travelling. Private ferry services include:
- Manly Fast Ferry[38]
- Cronulla to Bunbeena (surcharge applies for bicycles)
- Palm Beach to the Basin & to Ettalong
Sydney buses
Bicycles are not allowed on Sydney buses.[39] You can provide feedback on bus drivers here
Taxis
You can provide feedback on taxi drivers here
Light rail
Bicycles are allowed on Metro Light Rail trains (including the Monorail) subject to availability of space.[40]
Services
Auctions
- Pedallin' Pete in Ultimo auctions second hand bicycles every Saturday
Bicycle hire and tours
- Sydney Bicycle Tours aka Bike Buffs (The Rocks)
- Centennial Park
- Sydney Olympic Park
- Bonza Bike Tours (The Rocks)
Frame makers
Recycling
- Cycle ReCycle (a.k.a The Nunnery Workshop ) in Waterloo receives, repairs and sells used bicycles
- Bicycle Recycling Network
Regular events
Annual rides
- Sydney Body Art Ride is held annually in mid-February.
- Ride to Riverstone Rides varying from 10–100 km in Western Sydney.
- Tweed Ride has been held for 2 years since 2009.
- Sydney to the Hunter is a 3 day ride from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, held in early September.
- Sydney Spring Cycle rides various routes aimed at families, held in October.
- The ’Gong Ride is a 90 km ride from Sydney to Wollongong, held in early November, raising money for MS Australia. In 2009 more than of $3 million dollars was raised.
- Ride of Silence The last time Sydney participated in this was 2008. There was no ride in Sydney in 2010.
Other regular events
- The Pushon website regularly lists upcoming rides from various BUGs.
- Bicycle Film Festival
- Ride to Work Day is held in October in all capital cites.
- Super Tuesday Sydney participates in this annual count of cyclists on the road held in March, organised by Bicycle Victoria.
- Critical Mass is held monthly
- Events are also listed on the Sydney Cyclist events page.
Annual awards
- The Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards are held annually.
- 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
- Bike Paths in Sydney
- Cycling in New South Wales
- Cycling in Australia
- Cycling in Melbourne
- Category:Australian cyclists
- Category:Rail trails in Australia
- Category:Transport in Sydney
References
- ^ Cycling in Sydney, Bicycle ownership and use 2008, NSW RTA
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CycleStrategyAndActionPlan.asp
- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/national/dedicated-cycleway-opens-in-the-city-after-months-of-frustration-20090503-argv.html
- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-bridges-the-gap-as-new-city-cycleway-opens-20101012-16hsv.html
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CycleNetwork/default.asp
- ^ http://nsw.gov.au/bikeplan
- ^ http://inner-west-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/cycle-groups-slam-project/
- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dream-ride-but-cycling-still-faces-uphill-battle-20100319-qma9.html
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CycleStrategyAndActionPlan.asp
- ^ http://www.copenhagenize.com/2010/08/get-home-faster-in-sydney.html
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CyclingCourses.asp
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/BikeParking.asp
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CyclingEvents.asp
- ^ http://bikesydney.org/new10/?page_id=98
- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fewer-car-spaces-and-better-deal-for-cyclists-20100901-14nnj.html
- ^ http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/balconies-and-bike-spaces-to-be-compulsory-under-new-city-vision-20101011-16g2x.html
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/2030/thedirections/Cycling.asp
- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/plan-to-close-sydneys-george-street-to-traffic-20100506-ubg0.html
- ^ http://smh.drive.com.au/roads-and-traffic/pedestrians-rule-in-big-city-slowdown-20100912-156zc.html
- ^ http://www.sydneyharbourlink.com/article/pricewaterhousecoopers-draft-study--email-n-syd-council-by-nov-1-
- ^ http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/home/media/2010/july_2010/parramatta_city_council_first_in_nsw_to_retro_fit_secure_bicycle_parking
- ^ https://businesspapers.parracity.councilsonline.com.au/Open/2010/SP_19042010_AGN_WEB.HTM
- ^ http://www.sydneycyclist.com/xn/detail/1321712:Comment:175650
- ^ http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Sydney-Bike-Lanes-Cycle-Ways/137341789627399
- ^ http://podcasts.2gb.com/alanjones/alanjonesclovermoore260510.mp3
- ^ http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/alan-jones-puts-his-spoke-in-on-sydney-cycleways/
- ^ http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficinformation/downloads/bicycbicycsydne_dl2.html
- ^ Aire Valley Bike Bus - About page. Accessed 29th April 2011.
- ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bike-love/id395214507
- ^ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/TypesOfCycleways/Contra-flowbikelanenolane.asp
- ^ City of Sydney council car parks
- ^ https://appln.transport.nsw.gov.au/bikelockers/faces/jsp/public/findALocker.xhtml
- ^ http://www.cityrail.info/stations/station_details
- ^ http://www.sydneycyclist.com/xn/detail/1321712:Comment:178727
- ^ http://www.sydneycyclist.com/xn/detail/1321712:Comment:201194
- ^ http://www.sydneyferries.info/experience-sydney/secure-bicycle-lockers.htm
- ^ Sydney Ferries bicycle policy
- ^ http://manlyfastferry.com.au/
- ^ http://www.131500.com.au/faqs/faqs-taking-belongings-on-public-transport#a17
- ^ http://www.metrotransport.com.au/index.php/special-needs
External links
- Bike paths guide - sample information based on published book
- HarbourLink - better access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge's northern approach
- A summary of road rules provided by a local
- NSW Bike Plan - Bicycle Information for New South Wales
Categories:- Cycling in Sydney
- Cycling in New South Wales (Australia)
- Cycling in Australia
- Cycling by city
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