People opposed to bike riding have developed a new approach to disrupt progress, but we’re not dazzled by the gaslight.
Objections For Safety
Openly objecting to families and children having safe places to ride their bikes, separated from motor vehicles, is a bad look. Instead people opposed to cycling infrastructure and pop-up cycleways in their area, cite ‘safety’ as the reason for their objections.
Transport for NSW survey data has made it clear that 70% of people want to ride a bike more, but won’t till the infrastructure makes it safe enough to do so. The new pop-up cycleways are helping, but there will always be some objectors.
Misinformation
Claims that pop-up cycleways wouldn’t be used have fallen flat in the face of data gathered by the City of Sydney Council counts.
Literally thousands of safe journeys are taking place on this new infrastructure every week, reducing road and public transit congestion. This is helping NSW stay COVID-safe and keeping people healthy.
“We’re aware that a few local residents don’t want a bike lane near them, and they’re framing their concerns as being about rider safety,” said Bicycle NSW General Manager of Public Affairs, Bastien Wallace.
“Counts data across NSW shows that wherever you build, well connected bike infrastructure that separates people from motor vehicles, it's well-used,” said Bastien.
Bicycle NSW applauds the efforts of Transport for NSW and each of the Councils participating in the pop-ups schemes, and development of more safe cycleways. We remind riders to get in touch with your Council and MP to show your support for safe cycling infrastructure.
