During COVID-19 restrictions, Sydney’s road network saw a significant 55% reduction in travel, leading to substantial environmental benefits. This drop in vehicle usage highlights the impact of road transport on greenhouse gas emissions in NSW, where the sector contributes a staggering 68.5 million tonnes annually. Moreover, for every litre of petrol burned, 2.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide are released, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
As restrictions ease and life returns to normal, an important question arises: will pollution and traffic levels in NSW revert to their pre-COVID-19 state? The choices we make now - such as embracing sustainable transport options like cycling or public transportation - will shape the future of our environment and our cities.
By focusing on greener transport alternatives, we can help curb emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and create a cleaner, healthier future for all. Let’s not waste this opportunity to make lasting change.
Increase in demand
Already, we are seeing less people using public transport in anxiety of catching COVID-19. Currently 560,000 people are using public transport compared to 2.3 million last year. While a large portion of people are still working from home, many are seeking the safety in their cars instead of public transport.
Traffic around schools is higher than pre COVID-19 numbers with some councils even having created new pick up/drop off points to cope with demand.
Coping with the uptick
To help reduce this increasing road congestion as more people start returning to work and education, the NSW Government is provided funding for 10.3 km of pop up bike lanes in Sydney.
If there is a route in your area that needs a pop up bike lane to support more bike riders, you can share your suggestion with us here.
The Amy Gillett Foundation believed that safe active transport must be an enduring feature of the ‘new normal’ for how Australians move through their local communities and in 2020 were calling for an investment of at least $300million, on a national level, for bike riding infrastructure.
Turning point for bike riding?
With places across NSW becoming more bike friendly than ever before, could COVID-19 prove to be the turning point for bike riding support across our state?
World Bicycle Day in 2020 marked a pivotal moment with two significant political announcements aimed at shaping a brighter future for cycling. These commitments underscored the growing recognition of bike riding as a vital part of sustainable transport and healthier living. Jo Haylen, the then Shadow Minister for Active Transport, called on the NSW Government to make local streets safe to enable children to actively travel to school. Greens Active Transport portfolio holder the Hon Cate Faehrmann MP called on the government to release the principle bike network plan for Sydney.
“As COVID-19 restrictions encouraged more people across NSW to take up bike riding to stay active, it’s been fantastic to see this positive shift,” said Alistair Ferguson, CEO of Bicycle NSW. “As restrictions ease, we’re eager to see this momentum continue - not just for the health and well-being of NSW residents, but also to reduce traffic congestion and cut down on emissions.”
This World Environment Day we want everyone to share on social media what positive changes you have noticed in your local community during COVID-19. Don’t forget to tag us in using @bicyclensw
Join Bicycle NSW and be part of the change that makes a real difference!
Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future by advocating for safer cycling infrastructure, reducing road traffic, and cutting emissions. Bicycle NSW is at the forefront of driving these vital initiatives, and your membership fuels our mission to make cycling safer, more accessible, and more impactful across the state.
Now is the time to take action! By becoming a member, you’ll not only support efforts to improve the environment, but you’ll also join a passionate community of riders dedicated to making cycling a way of life.
Don’t wait— sign up today and help us pedal toward a healthier, happier NSW for everyone!
