The NSW government has announced plans to install a ramp as part of Sydney Harbour Bridge upgrades in an attempt to better facilitate cyclist access.

On average, more than 1,900 cyclist trips are taken across the Sydney Harbour Bridge every weekday, making it the single busiest link in the Metro Sydney Bike Network. At present, however, cyclists can only access the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway by transporting their bikes up and down a steep set of stairs at the Milsons Point end of the bridge.

As well as a cycleway to replace the existing steps, improvements have been proposed for the southern connection between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Kent Street cycleways.

The NSW Roads and Maritime authority originally hinted at plans for a cyclist access ramp last year. This month, an options report will be put on public display, with the community invited to provide feedback on potential ramp designs.

The state’s peak cycling body, Bicycle NSW, has called the proposed ramp “a win for Sydney”, and have welcomed the NSW government’s plans for funding.

“It’s a testament to our longstanding role as the peak advocacy body for all bicycle riders in NSW that Bicycle NSW has managed to work with RMS, Transport for NSW and the NSW state government through the plans and issues presented in the proposed Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleways, to find a solution that maintains the heritage and importance of the bridge, while allowing more people the opportunity to explore our iconic landmark on two wheels,” says Bicycle NSW president, Jon Leighton.

“We have no doubt that this commitment to and investment in bicycle infrastructure will see an increase in people riding bikes for pleasure, recreation and commuting.”

So far, no timeline has been revealed for the project after the community feedback stage has been completed. A projects overview of the Sydney Harbour Bridge development proposal can be viewed here.

Kirsty Sier

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