Five ways we’re making bike riding inclusive, enjoyable and safe in Waverley

Did you know the average car trip in Waverley is 2.2km? That would take just 15 minutes on a bike, even considering some of our steep hills!

Across the world, cities are embracing bike riding as a safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to get around.

Our new Bike Strategy and Action Plan has been designed with global best practices and local sensitivities in mind, incorporating feedback from over 700 community members on ways to make bike riding in Waverley inclusive, enjoyable and safe.

1. Taking action on share bikes

Earlier this month, we reached a historic Council-led agreement with share bike providers, Lime and Hello Bike. Both have agreed to take clear action to better manage and regulate their share bikes. We’ll continue to work in collaboration with TfNSW and share bike companies to master share bike parking, storage and safety around our LGA.

2. Upskilling residents on bike safety

Throughout May, we are running a series of educational workshops and tune-ups, open for residents to learn how to keep their bikes road safe. Come along to our weekly Free Bike Tune-ups on a Wednesday at the Waverley Bus Depot on the corner of Oxford St and St James Road. Or come along to our Bike Day on 18 May, where we will have different activities spanning multiple locations, including bike courses, recycling and maintenance. Activities must be booked separately here.

3. Rapid safety improvements in LGA hotspots

You told us where you feel least safe on your bike around Waverley. So, we’ll be taking rapid action to improve bike safety in places like Bondi Beach, Syd Einfeld, Charing Cross and Bondi Junction. This is just one of 29 actions outlined in our Bike Strategy Action Plan.

4. Prioritising pedestrians

Pedestrians are our top priority. Our bike network is designed to slow down our streets, improve how they look and separate walkers from riders wherever possible.

5. Providing a well-connected network

Another key message communicated by you was the need for new connections so riders of all abilities and ages can travel safely between key destinations in Waverley. The proposed Network Plan outlined in the Bike Strategy Action Plan transforms existing networks to better connect Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Bronte Beach, Tamarama, Rose Bay and Randwick.

So why not swap a car trip for a bike ride this National Bike Month? Or Have Your Say on our Bike Strategy and Action Plan before 8 June.