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Sydney’s bike path safety campaign shared with Leichhardt, New South Wales.Sy

The City of Sydney’s program to encourage bike riders and pedestrians to co-exist safely is being extended to commuters travelling into the city centre from the inner west.

The Share the Path campaign will be rolled out by Leichhardt Council so even more bike riders and pedestrians are made aware of each other’s needs and given advice on how to use shared paths safely.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said expanding the Share the Path campaign across other local government areas was an important step towards a safer, more connected Sydney for road users.

“Whether a pedestrian, bike rider or driver, we need to know how to navigate routes safely and effectively, and this knowledge and courtesy to other road users shouldn’t be restricted by local council boundaries,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We’re closer than ever to ensuring Sydney is a place where bike riders can get around a safe, connected cycleway network with real benefits for health and the environment by reducing emissions and road congestion.

“The City is working closely with the NSW Government in delivering the Sydney City Centre Access Strategy that will provide an integrated transport network to increase the number of people riding, walking and taking public transport throughout the whole wider Sydney area.”

Mayor of Leichhardt, Councillor Darcy Byrne, said his council was committed to providing alternative options to car use, particularly for trips in and around the local area.

“We want to establish a safe bicycle network across the inner city that is attractive for people to use,” he said.

“We’re happy to be working with the City of Sydney to make sure that our bike and pedestrians paths are shared safely.”

The City’s Share the Path team travels to different locations near shared paths in the morning and evening to provide safety advice, free tune-ups and free bells.

Friendly information experts answer questions on cycling and using shared paths.

In 2013, 164 Share the Path sessions were held at key locations around the city. Bike mechanics provided free tune ups for 1,032 riders and 1,579 free bells were fitted to riders’ bikes.

Cr Byrne said Leichhardt Council aimed to replicate the success of the City’s Share the Path program.

“Safety is the most important aspect of Share the Path – by educating people on shared path signs and rules, we’re helping to create a safer environment for everyone,” he said.

“Many bike riders are new to riding in traffic or on shared paths, so we are eager to get this program up and running.

“Share the Path Leichhardt will be aimed at educating everyone – bike riders, pedestrians and motorists – on how to share roads, streets and paths safely and courteously.”

Share the Path Leichhardt will be trialled at three different locations around the Leichhardt area targeting riders, aspirational riders and pedestrians with a particular focus on senior pedestrians and those with limited mobility.

It will include elements similar to the City of Sydney program, such as:

A bike repairer at some sessions for free tune ups;
Free bells and pedometers;
Promotion of shared path behaviour;
Information about active transport; and
Hot beverages at some sessions.

Share the Path Leichhardt will run until 10 June.

The City of Sydney plans to extend the campaign to other local council areas later this year.

For more information, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Judy Goldman, phone 0402 277 226 or email [email protected]

For information from Leichhardt Council, please contact Media Coordinator Kate Walsh or 0421 224 366 [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Tyron Butson on
0427 044 768 or email [email protected]

Tags: bike