Liveable Green Network
Walk, run, cycle
The Liveable Green Network is a part of the City's plans to make the local area as green, global and connected as possible. It aims to create a pedestrian and cycling network that connects people to the city and village centres as well as major transport and entertainment hubs, cultural precincts, parks and open spaces.
It is important residents, workers and visitors are able to walk and cycle around a city as large and diverse as Sydney. Many global cities have cycling and pedestrian networks with a focus on recreation and leisure. These cycling and walking paths often frame parklands, foreshores and other scenic attractions.
Extensive cycling paths have already been put in place. More cycleway projects are currently being constructed or designed.
The City is working towards building a 200 kilometre cycling network including 55 kilometres of separated cycleways.
Sustainable Sydney 2030 targets
Sustainable Sydney 2030 is a set of goals to improve the local area's sustainability by 2030. The City is encouraging 10 per cent of journeys in the local area to be made by bicycle and at least half to be made by walking by 2030. The City also wants residents to be within walking distance to services and facilities such as fresh food markets, child care, health care and public parks.
Network features
Routes laid out for the Liveable Green Network will encourage cycling and walking. Improvements will include separated cycleways, lower speed limits, widened footpaths and improved crossings. Cycling routes will be clearly marked with easy-to-read maps and signage. More seats, bubblers and bike parking will be built along major cycling paths.
Network benefits
Locals and visitors will benefit from the Liveable Green Network as it supports:
- Liveability: Walking and cycling are important benchmarks for a liveable city. High levels of walking mean a city is safe, vibrant and easily accessible by everyone.
- Health: Cycling and walking are excellent forms of physical activity. They can form part of journeys to and from work, rest and play that might not otherwise feature in people’s busy schedules.
- Environment: Encouraging people to walk or cycle for short distances can help reduce pollution, improve sustainability and complement public transport links.
- Fairness: Young people, older people and people without a car need choices when it comes to transport. People who live in the local area are less likely to own a car than others elsewhere in Sydney.
State of the city
There is significant potential for greater walking and cycling paths under the Liveable Green Network.
More than 24 per cent of residents walk to work in the local area, compared to an average of 4 per cent elsewhere in Sydney. There are 26 per cent of people who cycle to work, compared to a wider Sydney average of 4.8 per cent.
These are considerable figures and highlight the need for the Liveable Green Network to be rolled out across central Sydney.
Last updated: Friday, 24 May 2013
