Increase in north-south bike traffic expected
The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp opened on 6 January, to the delight of the cycling community after decades of carrying their bikes up 55 steps at the northern end of the Bridge.
The three-metre-wide ramp has created a continuous north-south route across the Bridge with links into the CBD via Kent Street, out to Sydney’s east via the Oxford Street Cycleway, and to the west via the ANZAC Bridge.
Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean told NL that the community was thankful for the cycleway ramp.
“It has not only improved safety by avoiding 55 steep steps, but it has enabled many other bicycle users to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Mr McLean said. “This includes those less abled, beginners, kids, and those riders who are carrying luggage or children on cargo bikes.”
The Cycleway ramp, which was estimated to cost close to $40 million, was designed to fit its surrounds at Bradfield Park and Milsons Point Station, with granite sourced from Moruya, the same location the granite for the Harbour Bridge pylons came from, and 1,500 bronze balustrades which reflect elements of the Sydney Opera House.
The ramp was to be painted in the heritage-listed Sydney Harbour Bridge Grey.
The ramp connects to a new cycle route extending along Alfred Street South to Middlemiss Street at North Sydney, including new crossings on Alfred Street South and Lavender Street. About 130,000 granite pavers have created an intertwining eels artwork by Aboriginal artists Jason Wing and Maddie Gibbs. The eels, which honour the connection to the area of the Gadigal and Cammeraygal people, go north and south.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the ramp was ‘long overdue.’ “John Bradfield’s original vision for the Harbour Bridge incorporated space for bicycles on the deck of the Bridge, but they were squeezed out by the growth of vehicle traffic by 1962.
“This ramp is a long-overdue improvement for cyclists, while being an architecturally sensitive addition to Bradfield’s famous Coathanger.
“Bike traffic across the Harbour Bridge has surged in recent years, and this ramp will unlock even more by delivering equality of access,” Mr Graham concluded.
At the opening, Mr McLean relayed his appreciation for the efforts of the Bicycle NSW members and community supporters during the four-decade campaign for an accessible ramp for bike riders.
“Thank you so much to all the members, advocates and bicycle people that have been advocating for this project for decades. Your work has not gone unseen, so thank you to everyone who has made this day possible.”
The Harbour Bridge was originally opened in 1932 and had six lanes with two tram lines and two rail lines, but now has eight lanes and two rail lines, a pedestrian path and a bicycle path.
