Inner West Council is committed to providing a safer and more accessible cycling network. A community wide online survey identified the need for alternative ways to travel around the local area and for improved links to and from the Sydney CBD. Improving cycleways and connectivity aligns with Council’s strategic plan to support unique, liveable and networked neighbourhoods.

These works are part of the broader South West Active Transport Link being provided by Sydney Metro as part of the Sydney Metro Sydenham to Bankstown Upgrade. These works will improve connectivity locally and regionally, encouraging bike riders of all ages and abilities to consider transport alternatives.

It will connect the existing St Peters Cycleway between the Princes Highway / Mary St and Sydenham Station, and also to the proposed upgrade of the cycling route from Newtown via Darley Street and Edinburgh Rd, Marrickville.

The upgrade includes:

• Upgrade of the intersection of Gleeson Ave and Railway Parade to remove the existing central island and make the intersection fully signalised. The upgrade will allow pedestrians and cyclists to access Sydenham Station from Railway Ave in one stage rather than the current two stages.
• Railway Parade - Construction of a raised separated bicycle path between Gleeson Ave and Marrickville Road on the eastern side of Railway Ave.
• Marrickville Road, southern side – Construction of a raised separated bicycle path between Railway Parade and Meeks Road, including relocation of the kerb and gutter
• Marrickville Road southern side –
  • Upgrade of the footpath, installation of garden areas and seating. Installation of shared areas at bus stops and at Meeks Road.
  • Installation of kerb extensions opposite Sydney Street and Barclay Street to assist pedestrians crossing Marrickville Rd.
  • Installation of a continuous footpath at Gerald Street to prioritise pedestrian and cycling movements across Gerald Street at Marrickville Road.
• Marrickville Road northern side –
  • Upgrade of the footpath, installation of shared footpath between lower Railway Avenue and Barclay Stret,
  • Installation of shared areas at intersections and kerb extensions at Sydney Street, Barclay Street and Meeks Road to assist pedestrians crossing Marrickville Rd.

These works will improve connectivity locally and regionally, encouraging bike riders of all ages and abilities to consider transport alternatives.

The bicycle path will be built between the line of the existing kerb and the road on the southern side of Marrickville Road. The traffic and parking lanes on both sides of Marrickville Road will be relocated towards the northern side of Marrickville Road. The footpath on the northern side of Marrickville Road will be narrowed in parts. The width of the northern footpath will be no less than 2.5m, with most parts being 3.0m wide.

A bi-directional bicycle path is a dedicated path with a lane in both directions that is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and pedestrians and is exclusively for use by bicycles and other micromobility devices.

A continuous footpath prioritises pedestrians and bicycles at an intersection. Raising the intersection and providing clear road markings indicates to all road users that pedestrians and bicycle riders have priority over turning vehicles. A bend is provided in the bicycle path and footpath to allow vehicles to stop between the bicycle path and the carriageway of the main road.

A shared path is a section of path that is designated for use by both pedestrians and bike riders. On shared paths, people on bicycles are expected to give way to people walking. Shared paths are proposed on the corners of road intersections, at kerb extensions on Marrickville Road and at bus stops.

A kerb extension is a widening of the footpath and a narrowing of the road. It calms traffic and increases safety for people walking or on bikes by reducing the distance to cross the road.

This project is fully funded by Council. However, Council will apply for funding from the NSW Government for the construction component of the project as a part of the NSW Government Get NSW Active program. These works have an estimated construction cost of approximately $3.4 million.

The upgrades will result in an overall loss of three (3) on-street parking spaces between Meeks Road and Sydenham Station. A plan showing the existing parking arrangement and the proposed parking arrangement can be viewed at www.yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/marrickville-road-east-cycle-path

The improvements to cycle facilities is good for bike riders, motorists and pedestrians.

Some of the specific safety benefits for this project includes:

• Connecting the recently completed St Peters Cycleway that links Princess Highway at Mary St to Sydenham Station with the planned South West Active Transport Link to Bankstown via Dulwich Hill.
• Physically separating and removing bicycle riders from the road in a very busy and predominantly industrial area.

The route is currently used by a significant number of bike riders, especially people commuting to and from work, and to access Sydenham Station. However, the proposed improvements are not just for people already riding bikes – it’s also for those who are interested in riding but are concerned about safety. A NSW Government survey found that 70 per cent of people in NSW would ride more often if it was safer. Locally, the number of people on bikes has increased in places where safer routes have been provided, for example:

- Carrington Road, Marrickville - 50% increase in the first year

- Bowden Street, Alexandria - 250% increase in five years

- George Street, Redfern - 400% increase since a protected bike path was installed.