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City of Sydney fast tracks new walking and cycling routes

Pitt Street cycleway artist impression courtesy of the City of Sydney.

Walking and cycling routes are being fast tracked in the City of Sydney to allow for safer travel between workplaces, schools, healthcare and the city centre.

Lord Moore Clover Moore and NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced six new temporary cycleways that will be opened within weeks.

This roll out of trial cycleways on key routes will aim to provide an essential transport option for residents of inner suburbs and reduce crowding on public transport.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that as restrictions continue to ease, there is an urgent need to support more people to walk and ride, and help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We already have an extensive program of cycleways and public domain improvements, but we need short term tactical measures that can be implemented in weeks,” Ms. Moore said.

“As our roads have been quieter during the pandemic, many people have decided to take up cycling. We’re hoping these safe cycleway connections help people keep that up. When someone rides to work, they take a car off the road or free up space on public transport – this will be even invaluable when people start returning to the City and seek to maintain physical distancing.”

Mr. Constance said the new measures would help people remain safe while getting to and from work.

“We are already seeing our public transport system at capacity during peak periods with the need to physical distance and we want to offer the community more options to make their journeys safer,” Mr. Constance said.

There will also be a rapid roll-out of temporary footpath widening in areas of high pedestrian activity in the CBD, as well as support for local businesses in inner-city village centres and along main streets.

Ms. Moore said the council will explore closing some city streets at lunch time or temporarily widening footpaths to create more public space next to food and beverage offerings.

The City of Sydney and NSW Government recently announced plans to extend George Street’s car-free zone in both directions between Bathurst Street and Campbell Street and extended in the southbound direction to Rawson Place. The existing temporary closure in the southbound direction from Bathurst Street to Campbell Street will be made permanent.

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