Cycling renaissance possible

Cycling renaissance possible

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has committed $70 million over the next four years to enhancing the city’s cycleways, a move welcomed by GLBT cycling group Spokes Sydney.

The City of Sydney Council held a consultation on December 10 to discuss plans to broaden the city’s cycleways, thanks to a commitment from council coffers and a possible $296 million Moore has requested from the federal Government.

Such a move could bring with it an influx of new cyclists, and therefore members for Spokes. The group is always keen to get more riders for their city day trips.

With different rides on every weekend, the city rides are the most accessible, said Spokes Yahoo group coordinator Michael Johnson. Last weekend he led a ride from Centennial Park to Bronte along to Watson’s Bay and Vaucluse.

The city rides are just easier to fit in. Last weekend’s ride was three hours, so it’s not like the mountain rides where you have to devote a whole day to it.

Though they may be easier time wise, Johnson said there were still many who didn’t participate in the local rides out of concern for riding on the road.

Some people are a bit freaked out about riding on the road, but I think the thing that a lot of people don’t realise is that the traffic in Sydney is actually relatively friendly and that once you get a bit of confidence it’s really OK. Coming out for a ride with Spokes is a really great way to develop that confidence, Johnson explained before encouraging the push for more cycleways.

I think Sydney is improving as a cycle-friendly city, but there is, of course, a way to go. Improving the cycleways I think would encourage more people to come out on rides with us, which would be great because Sydney is such a beautiful city to ride in.

info: Go to www.sydneyspokes.com

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