Just ten months after its opening, Sydney’s Oxford Street cycleway has convincingly proved the naysayers wrong with the counter passing the million mark.
Supporters gathered around the digital counter and waited in full celebration mode, with golden balloons spelling out 1,000,000 as the six digits ticked towards seven.
The moment had come and, amid whooping and hollering, a commuter in black lycra and riding with a hefty backpack approached at speed. Raising an arm as if winning a stage of the Tour de France, the mystery commuter crossed the line and disappeared into the winter’s night as the celebrations continued.
An incredible milestone to hit just 10 months after its opening, since August 2025, the Oxford St Cycleway has averaged 3000 riders per day, with the current 24hr record being 4840.
The crucial link connecting Castlereagh Street and Taylor Square is officially the City’s most-used cycleway, providing a safe route to and from the east and connecting dedicated cycleways along Castlereagh, Liverpool, College and Bourke streets.
Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, is thrilled to see the counter pass the milestone of a million and says Oxford Street has long been one of the city’s most popular riding routes.
"Prior to the cycleway, it had the most reported bike crashes of any street in our area," she said.
"This dedicated cycleway was necessary to support people getting around by bike to arrive safely.
"Having somewhere safe to ride has given more people than ever the confidence to get around on two wheels, which has seen numbers skyrocket. A million bike trips in less than 12 months reflects the community’s desire for a viable transport option that is safe, cheap and encourages active lifestyles."
The 1km separated cycleway was funded by the City of Sydney and the NSW Government. It opened in July 2025, with improved crossings at four side streets and upgraded signals at nine intersections.
"The Oxford Street cycleway has also made it safer for pedestrians as it takes riders off the footpath while creating a buffer between people walking and traffic, in turn making the street a more pleasant place to sit at cafes and restaurants, and visit local businesses," the Lord Mayor said.
The Mayor said the milestone should encourage the NSW Government to complete the Oxford Street east cycleway between Taylor Square and Centennial Park.
"Continuing the cycleway east would complete a missing link between Bondi Junction and the city centre, and those numbers would continue to grow," she said.
"Requiring riders to compete on the road with vehicular traffic puts riders in undue danger every day that this separated cycleway is not built. The sooner it’s completed, the sooner the community and local businesses can start to benefit.
Mayor Moore said a safe and connected cycleway on Oxford Street will help calm traffic, get bikes off the footpath, and make walking more pleasant.
"It will take pressure off roads and public transport by providing a viable alternative to cars for making short trips," she added.