King Street cycle lane underway

The first stage of construction has begun on the city’s first separated bicycle lane in the CBD.
The City of Sydney started to remove the kerbs along the north side of King Street to make way for a dedicated cycleway, which will be separated from vehicle traffic by a median strip.
“The King Street Cycelway is a crucial missing link that will take cyclists from east to west, right through and across the City Centre, linking William Street, Park Street and the Pyrmont Bridge,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said.
“Separating cycle lanes from traffic lanes increases safety by removing the conflict between cyclists and cars. The City’s research shows that Sydneysiders would cycle more if there were dedicated bicycle lanes and better driver awareness of bicycle safety,” Ms Moore said.
The work will be carried out in stages in order to minimise the impact of construction. It is expected to be completed in March 2009.
Meanwhile, community consultation continues over the controversial Bourke Street Cycleway, which will run for 4.3 kilometres from Zetland to Woolloomooloo. Surry Hills’ residents did, however, claim victory last week when the Lord Mayor advised them that heritage trees along Bourke Street will not be removed to make way for the cycleway.