Back in October 2025, before the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway northern access ramp was complete, we positioned ourselves at the bottom of the Milsons Point steps, and undertook a bike count during the peak commuting hour.
We marked every bicycle rider that passed us in both directions, scribbling away to make a note of several details: What gender is the rider? What is their age? What type of bike are they riding? And how are they dressed for their journey?
The intention was to record the pre-ramp data, in the knowledge that once the ramp had been installed, we’d count again to compare and analyse the numbers.
So, a few weeks ago, on 24th February 2026, we returned to North Sydney’s Bradfield Park, and stood by the base of the ramp, clipboards in hand, between the same hours of 7.30-8.30am.
And what we saw was encouraging!
Here we share some of the highlights from February’s count and some analysis of the shifts in the data.
(1) The overall volume of cyclists increased by 34%
A total of 392 riders were logged. In comparison, in October 2025, we counted 292 - 92 cycling northbound and 200 riding southbound (Image: ClickRocky and Bicycle NSW)
(2) The number of women crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge by bike was up 76%
Although cycle commuters are still overwhelmingly male, the proportion of female riders has increased a little, from 12% to 16% (Image: ClickRocky and Bicycle NSW)
(3) As share of all bike types, there was a 5% increase in e-bikes
It is notable that 32% of e-bike riders were female, compared to 8.5% of road bike riders (Image: ClickRocky and Bicycle NSW)
(4) The proportion of older riders, aged 60 or more, increased by 8%
There was also a marginal percentage increase (2%) in younger rides (30 and under) (Image: Bicycle NSW)
Sydney’s Cycling Counts Dashboard
Across Sydney there is a network of automatic counters, which were installed by councils and Transport for NSW to record bike trips 24 hours a day. The counter at the south end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway is very helpful for us to analyse how the new ramp has affected the volume of cyclists over the last two months.
The ramp opened on 6th January, during the middle of the holidays and in the height of summer, so we did expect there to be a high volume of riders over the past 10 weeks. Still, according to the Transport for NSW data, the daily average number of cyclists has increased by an impressive 41.76% since the start of December 2025.
Tuesdays generally see the highest volume of cyclists; extending the weekend and working from home on a Monday and Friday seems firmly embedded in workplace culture.
On the Tuesday of the Bicycle NSW count, the total number of cyclists was 2130. This was slightly lower than previous weeks: 17th Feb (2396), 10th Feb (2332), and 3rd Feb (2168).
We’ll be keeping an eye on the numbers as autumn brings cooler temperatures!
Bicycle NSW’s Sarah and Ali. The sun seems to shine when bike counts are underway! (Images: Bicycle NSW)
Now let's fill more missing links
Although the numbers are up, women still represent a minority of riders using the ramp. This is not a surprise.
Unfortunately, it is still very difficult to cycle north through North Sydney to reach destinations such as Crows Nest, Neutral Bay, Cammeray and Chatswood. Or to connect with the Gore Hill cycleway towards Lane Cove and Macquarie Park.
It is a major failure of planning and policy that the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project does not include the game-changing upgrades to the active transport network that residents and commuters have advocated for over three decades.
A separated cycleway on the Pacific Highway was the top priority identified by the Warringah Freeway Upgrade Active Transport Network Review. Our 2023 submission is here.
We have advocated very hard for Transport for NSW to relinquish a scrap of road space. After all, billions are being spent building the Western Harbour Tunnel to take vehicles off the surface roads in North Sydney.
And we have the glimmer of a win! Transport for NSW is preparing concept plans for a cycleway from the Arthur Street tunnel to Walker Street. This section of the Pacific Highway has an existing shared path. But the path is very narrow, divided by a line of mature trees and cluttered with signage. It is unsafe and wholly unsuitable for a high-capacity regional cycling route. We look forward to a high-quality solution for this a critical gap in the bike network.
Before you pedal away …..
Please join Bicycle NSW and support our advocacy for better infrastructure and safer streets. You will also ride easy, covered by our comprehensive insurance and enjoy many other Member-only benefits.
Bicycle NSW is the only bicycle advocacy group based in NSW with full-time staff advocating every day for all riders. But did you know that we are funded only by membership fees and donations?
If you are not ready to join the Bicycle NSW family, then we would love you to consider a donation to the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund.
