CBD CYCLE ROUTE FAST-TRACKED

This week from the City of Sydney:

The first project in a network of safe, high-quality cycle paths will soon be constructed to connect Clarence Street to the Pyrmont Bridge, with design work beginning on a vital missing link for north-south cycle travel through the CBD.

The City’s Planning, Development and Transport Committee voted unanimously on Monday to endorse the King Street route, which features two-way dedicated bike path adjacent to the footpath, and a landscaped median strip with trees and smartpoles to protect cyclists from traffic. Safe crossings have been designed for all intersections.

The path will be completed as part of a major upgrade of the streetscape, and fast-tracked using unexpended funds from the 2006/07 financial year.

The King Street cycle route, part of the City’s Cycle Strategy and Action Plan, will give cyclists a safe route from Pyrmont Bridge to the heart of the City. It will also connect with the planned north-south Clarence Street route to take cyclists safely from the Harbour Bridge to the Pyrmont Bridge.

Once endorsed by Council, design work will begin on this important Clarence Street link, after Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) traffic modelling concluded that the previously proposed Kent Street route was no longer feasible due to Cross City Tunnel road changes.

The City’s Cycle Strategy and Action Plan, endorsed earlier this year, includes projects for new dedicated cycle paths, bike parking and education campaigns to promoting cycling and safety awareness. The City has hired a specialist cycle planner and a project manager to coordinate this work, and is holding regular meetings with cyclist groups. We are also sponsoring this year’s Spring Cycle—a relaxed, fun ride on October 21 from North Sydney to Olympic Park.

Published by: AndrewD on August 5th, 2007 | Filed under City of Sydney