North Shore Greens wants cycling path on Warringah Freeway upgrade

North Shore Greens candidate James Mullan is calling on the NSW Government to include cycling infrastructure as part of works on the Warringah Freeway.

The upgrades are focussed on a four kilometre stretch between Naremburn and North Sydney, which Mullan claimed is a missing link in the cycleway network.

“You can ride on separated bike lanes down from Epping following Epping Road and the M2 all the way to Naremburn then suddenly the lane stops. Cyclists then cross an overpass up to Cammeray where they are spat out onto West Street,” he said.

Mullan believes the cycle way should continue from Cammeray Golf Course and follow the freeway down to North Sydney then onto the bridge either through a dedicated lane or on the proposed Harbour Bridge cycle ramp.

As part of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Freeway upgrade, cycling connections have closed including Falcon St overpass and the connected underpass. Construction has also led to detours due to temporary closures of paths around Cammeray Golf Course and the Ridge St Overpass.

“The freeway, in parts, has 15 lanes for cars or buses, and all cyclists are asking for is one lane. I don’t think that much to ask for. This upgrade project is costed at $1.2 billion but the Government didn’t even bother to include active transport.”

He believes building this infrastructure is one of the best ways to reduce road congestion, promote an active lifestyle and reduce the carbon footprint. The Greens candidate unsuccessfully ran for North Sydney Council in 2021 advocating strongly for more cycling infrastructure in the area.

“North Sydney Council has constructed zero metres of bike lanes since the last elections. It’s pathetic really. The North Shore is a cycling black hole so the NSW government needs to step in and provide this crucial infrastructure. Especially considering the freeway is a state road,” he said.

According to Peter Bourke of Bicycle Industries Australia, 1.5 million bikes were sold country wide in 2022. In 2021 e-bike sales reached 75,000 with electric car sales only reaching 20,665. “Many people are choosing to leave the car at home and ride. We need to be doing all we can to encourage more people to ride bikes, yet often people don’t because they are worried about safety.”