North Sydney Council proposes Cycling Super Highways along Pacific Highway, Military Road

Currently, only about 1.4 percent of trips are made by bicycle in the North Sydney area. In the future, local and state governments would like to see that number quadruple: and they’re willing to spend more than $150 million to do it.

Under a new plan jointly funded by North Sydney Council and the NSW Government, the North Shore’s cycling network could see massive improvements and extensions over the next twenty years. The North Sydney Bike Plan (2025 – 2045), through a process of research, site assessment and community consultation, has identified the need for well maintained, protected cycling routes for both regional and local travel.

Research from Transport for NSW has indicated that while 70 percent of the population is interested in cycling, the vast majority of this group are described as “interested but concerned”: riders who require safer conditions before they feel comfortable to ride.

In order to address this issue, the plan seeks to construct cycling super highways along the Pacific Highway, Falcon Street, and Military Road, as well as stronger local routes across the broader North Sydney area.

The plan, proposing 38.8km of infrastructure improvements, has an estimated total construction cost of $157 million.

Speaking to cycling enthusiasts on the North Shore, it seems the plan directly addresses some concerns of cyclists.

Hamish Hocking, an avid local rider, agreed with the plan’s assessment of present bicycle infrastructure as inadequate.

“Cycling infrastructure in North Sydney/North Shore is fragmented and difficult to use effectively”, he told the North Shore Lorikeet.

“There are several bike lanes dotted around the place, but as none of them connect together very seamlessly, it makes the riding experience uninviting if you are not a regular road cyclist.”

While an experienced cyclist, Hamish concurred with the concerns of other riders around safety.

“If one driver doesn’t indicate, look in their mirror, is looking at their phone, is speeding — you could sustain a serious injury”, he said,

While the plan for these upgrades has been initiated by North Sydney Council, it will require collaboration between the local council and the state government to be implemented. Its most significant proposed upgrades are on state roads, such as the Pacific Highway and Military Road.

The plan is currently on exhibition for feedback until Monday 26 May.