Sydney Airport has officially opened its upgraded Domestic end-of-trip and bike storage facility, adding more parking, better amenities and improved lighting for cyclists heading to the popular T2 and T3 terminals.
The EOT facility features 39 storage hoops, a refreshed bathroom facility, upgraded lighting and security, plus additional signage to help riders find their way to and from the terminals. The facilities are for use by both travellers and airport workers, with separate areas set aside for passengers and staff.
For the tens of thousands of people who pass through or work at Sydney Airport each day, the upgrade makes riding a genuinely viable way to get there - whether that's a staff member commuting to work, passengers rolling straight from the bike path to the airport, or riders enjoying the precinct’s growing cycleway network.
Sydney Airport says it will continue to work with local councils, bicycle user groups and Transport for NSW on further improvements.
In addition to opening the EOT facilities, Sydney Airport have put together an article that guides riders to the best plane-spotting bike routes around the airport. This will pair the new connections with the many scenic detours where riders can watch in awe as domestic and international aircraft take off and land.
Those who’ve ridden the airside cycleways, or who have watched the surprisingly addictive ‘SydSquad’ YouTube plane spotting channel, will know just how incredible it is to be underneath a 550-tonne A380 as it comes in to land or takes to the skies.
Who rides to the airport?
The Sydney Airport bike parking news was posted on Facebook and received widespread attention, with all but one comment supportive of the airside enhancement.
‘Who rides a bike to an airport?’ Asked a negative Nelly, with the positive responses - including those listed below - coming thick and fast.
‘I did, regularly, to attend interstate meetings. Bike is the best way to get to the airport - always completely reliable travel times.’
‘It's honestly pretty awesome as a passenger. Rolling up on your bike, beating the traffic, avoiding the cost of the train or a rideshare. Then you stroll right off of the plane and zip home, very freeing.’
‘Workers and short-haul passengers who live nearby! Having a secure bike parking area right at the terminals makes riding a very attractive option.’
‘I do! Several times a year I have to catch an early morning flight and return the same day or next day. With carry-on only, and my location making cycling twice as fast as the train (no direct train means I need to catch a train to the city first to change to the airport line), getting on the bike is a no-brainer.
‘I will be regularly now that this is finally open. Have ridden to international multiple times and to Canberra Airport when I lived there.’
To read more about the Sydney Airport cycleways, visit their website here.