The first stage of the long-awaited Oxford Street cycleway in Sydney is now open to riders.
The $18.5 million bidirectional separated bike lane stretches 1 kilometre along the western end of Oxford Street and part of Liverpool Street, connecting Hyde Park and Taylor Square.
The cycleway, which was originally due to open in late 2024, provides a missing link for riders, connecting to existing inner-city bike paths along Liverpool, College and Bourke streets.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the bike lane would improve safety along the notorious stretch, with Oxford Street having the highest number of reported bike crashes in the council area.
"No longer will people riding need to weave in and out of traffic, competing with trucks, cars and buses along Oxford Street," she said.
"People walking will also benefit as the project has improved crossings at side streets, created a buffer from vehicles, calmed traffic and will reduce the instances of people riding bikes on the footpath."
The City of Sydney in conjunction with the state government built the now-completed western section of the cycleway, while Transport for NSW is planning the eastern section from Taylor Square to Centennial Park. The timeline for the construction of this eastern section is not yet clear.
The cycleway is part of a broader revitalisation vision for Oxford Street, which involves transforming the busy six-lane thoroughfare into a vibrant high street with upgraded pedestrian facilities and protected bike infrastructure.
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