George Street East Pedestrian & Cyclist Paths

The River foreshore has long been identified for walking and cycling access by both Council and the NSW Government.

A previous design had been prepared in 2016 for a 3.0m wide shared path along the foreshore and through Queens Wharf Reserve, but was placed on hold due to impacts of Parramatta Light Rail and imminent construction of the Alfred Street Bridge.

There has been a significant increase in pedestrians and cyclists using the northern river foreshore in recent years as new sections have been unlocked and people become aware of the high amenity experience of the Parramatta River.

Where space allows, separate walking and cycling paths are proposed through Queens Wharf Reserve.

Between Alfred Street and Purchase Street where the foreshore only has space for a shared path, it is proposed that cyclists who are confident riding on road can use Noller Parade through a new eastbound contraflow (reverse) bike lane.

Parking will be retained in Noller Parade, just moved to the southern kerb where a similar number of spaces will be provided.

This allows for a contraflow bike lane to be provided for eastbound cyclists.

Both the pedestrian and cyclist paths are designed to minimise impact to natural vegetation and archaeology beneath the surface by predominantly following existing path alignments.

Both paths will be lit to ensure users feel safe when using either facility.

There is a small portion of cyclists in the community who are comfortable riding with vehicles no matter how busy the street. However, through international research it has been identified that two-thirds of the community are “interested but concerned” about cycling, and the key factor is safety.

Council’s endorsed Bike Plan 2017 sets a vision for cycling to be safe, and perceived as a safe and attractive option for all members of the community, for those aged 8 through to 80.

The design of this project is funded by Council through development contributions. Construction is funded by the NSW Government.