This week Bicycle NSW President and GM Advocacy & Public Affairs had the chance to meet with Rob Stokes MP, the new Transport Minister for NSW.
Photo courtesy of City Of Sydney. Henderson Rd Pop-Up Cycleway.
A change of Minister can bring new ideas, perspectives and priorities to their portfolio. In this case there was a lot of good news for bike riders.
Minister Stokes confirmed his commitment to the Principle Bike Network and to identifying key elements to deliver in order to create a network. Those impacted by the closure of the Inner West Light Rail in Sydney will be pleased to learn that the Minister is already looking into the possibility of developing rideable alternatives.
Bicycle NSW Suggestions
Our suggestion that consultation on major projects be brought forward in the planning process, was well received. Currently, consultation with Bicycle NSW and active transport advocates occurs 1 year after a project commences. Bringing the consultation forward allows for our feedback to be understood and evaluated before design and budgets become fixed and it’s too late to change the project design.
We were also heartened about the prospect of Transport for NSW testing new technologies and approaches to determine whether e-bike standards or other road-related technologies need to change.
“We look forward to more positive changes for bike riders over the coming months and continued engagement on infrastructure and road safety projects,” said Bicycle NSW President, Melinda Tarrant.
“We will keep you updated, and in the meantime, happy riding,” said Bicycle NSW General Manager of Public Affairs, Bastien Wallace.
Keep up to date with our advocacy and recent submissions by visiting the Bicycle NSW website.
