O the controversy on Bourke Street
The council wants to increase city cycling by an amazing 500 per cent, and they’re putting in cycleways, cycle lanes and shared zones left, right and centre.
But it gets murky in the inner city, where new cycle paths eat into limited on-street parking. Like this cycle route through Bourke Street, from Woolloomooloo to Zetland, that’s recently gone to tender.
Residents object to losing precious parking spaces, but also what they’ve called the unsafe design of the cycleway, and along Bourke Street, between Taylor Square and Albion Streets, they’re making it clear which parking spaces are set to go.
Allegedly, 100 parking spaces are to go.
It’s a difficult predicament, but is it a bit of ‘not in our backyard’?
Totally! I live just off Bourke st, and ride a bike, and don’t have a car, and cannot wait for this to happen. I get so scared of riding beyond a very small area because drivers seem to hate cyclists so much, and my hope is that this cyclway makes me feel safer and more adventurous!
Reemski
8 Sep 09 at 5:03 pm
Yeah – it’s a tricky one – I cycle but also live and park my car where a cycle lane is going. I totally agree with the need for separated cycle lanes as I’ve seen too many cyclists knocked off by idiots opening there car doors on them. Plus the city is going to grind to a halt if we don’t get out of our cars soon…
On the other hand, as a resident with a parking permit I sometimes cannot park anywhere in my permit zone.
Maybe I should ditch the car :) Although it should be noted I only use it on weekends, and am lucky enough to be able to walk to work everyday…
I think all we need is a bit more space, and a few less people :)
Mat
9 Sep 09 at 10:25 am
1. Sell the car
2. Buy a bike
3. Join a car share scheme
Problem solved
Kimberley
10 Sep 09 at 8:24 am
Car drivers should be glad cycle ways are going in as it will reduce the need for cars, ultimately putting less pressure on the limited number of parking spaces.
There will never be enough parking spaces in Sydney to meet demand. This is why safe alternatives to the car are needed – like this bike lane!
Marion
8 Oct 09 at 3:15 pm
bidirectional cycleways have been converted to unidirectionals and/or banned in several countries. just sayin’, is all…
surtr
21 Dec 09 at 4:21 am
This comment is worth reading:
“Clover’s inadequate cycleway plan”
Hugh
5 Mar 10 at 10:08 am