Transport for NSW is planning to rejuvenate Oxford Street with wider footpaths, new public spaces, additional tree canopy and a separated cycleway from Taylor Square to Paddington Gates.

This is a very exciting project!  However, there is a risk that the cycleway will not go ahead.

Please SIGN THIS PETITION NOW to show your support for the cycleway and a much better Oxford Street!

Bicycle NSW has long advocated for Oxford Street to be reconfigured with upgraded pedestrian facilities and a protected bicycle path. Our project campaign page is here. The official project page can be found here.

The Oxford Street East cycleway will fill the missing link between the Bondi Junction and Centennial Park facilities, both recently completed, and the Oxford Street West cycleway, which will be under construction by City of Sydney very soon. This route will pass shops, offices, schools and St. Vincent’s Hospital, everyday destinations for thousands of residents.

Oxford Street is languishing and badly needs a bold plan to reinvent itself for the future. 

Oxford Street, with its heritage shopfronts and central location, is an iconic Sydney strip. However, traffic speeds and volumes have gradually increased to the detriment of the colourful atmosphere that once attracted hordes of people from across the city for shopping and entertainment.

The proposal by Transport for NSW to add a protected cycleway to Oxford Street is not just about bikes.  

It is an opportunity to reconfigure the street, diversify its transport mix, improve the urban environment and transform Paddington.  Businesses, residents and visitors will benefit from widened footpaths, lower speed limits, reduced through traffic and upgraded public spaces that prioritise entertainment, dining and people rather than cars.  

 Oxford Street will be a healthier, happier and livelier place.  

Of course, change is always hard and some residents and businesses are very anxious about the cycleway.  There are concerns about parking, access and endless construction.

Our friends at Bicycle User Group BIKEast have busted the myths that have built up around the project and reassure the community that: 

• Parking will be still be possible in the bus lanes on both sides of the road off-peak.
•  Fewer lanes will not cause ‘carmageddon’ – but reduce demand for driving by making walking, bike riding and public transport more attractive.
• The cycleway is not just for the people who currently cycle on Oxford Street.  A safe and protected bicycle path will allow new riders – particularly women, children and the elderly - to travel in a healthy, sustainable and fun way.
• There will be great outcomes for everyone – not just people who ride bikes!

How YOU can help advocate for a better Oxford Street

1. Sign the petition.
Hundreds of signatures will show politicians that the community supports the proposal, despite noisy opposition and negative media coverage.

Leave a comment to strongly urge all stakeholders to build the cycleway without delay.

Please also share the petition with friends or family who are excited about a safe, protected cycleway on Oxford Street!

2. Write to your local politician

Even a quick email saying you support the reconfiguration of Oxford Street - to reduce traffic, create a safe cycleway, widen footpaths and improve public spaces - will help elected representative hear positive sentiment and swing the pendulum to political support.

Here are some state MPs for nearby electorates:

Sydney − Alex Greenwich
Vaucluse − Kellie Sloane
Coogee − Marjorie O'Neil
Newtown − Jenny Leong
Heffron − Ron Honeig

3. Encourage your favourite businesses to display a We Loves Bikes sticker.  

These will be delivered to shops.  The more stickers on walls, the greater the spirit of ‘bonhomie’ around bikes on Oxford Street.  Reluctant businesses and residents will not be able to resist the fun, colourful, inclusive vibes that an explosion in bike riding will bring! 

4. Become a Bicycle NSW Member 

Support our advocacy and ride with peace of mind knowing that you are covered by our global comprehensive insurance and enjoy many other Member only benefits

5. Join your local Bicycle User Group

In the Eastern Suburbs, please contact BIKEast. They hold meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, which can be found on the Meetup group. 

6. Sign up to our campaign for Better Streets ​

Better Streets is a coalition of planners, advocates, community groups, pedestrian and bicycle groups that are working to support local and state governments roll back 70 years of car-centric planning.

7. Donate to the Environmental Trust which funds our campaigns for safer infrastructure.

Did you know that we are only funded by public donations and membership fees? Whether it's a one off or an ongoing donation we welcome your support and commit to investing your donation to creating a better environment for cycling.

For further information please contact:

Peter McLean, Bicycle NSW CEO
peter.mclean@bicyclensw.org.au​

Bicycle NSW is the peak advocacy body for bike riders in NSW and has represented them since 1976. Its mission is to create a better environment for all bicycle riders. Bicycle NSW seeks to bring about a change in the cultural and behavioural stance in support of mainstream bicycle use. Bicycle NSW also advocates for improvements to the built environment to allow a bicycle to be used as a viable and safe transport option.

Please read the letter of support from Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) HERE

Thank you for your support!