By Paul Hemsley

Neighbouring councils have each contributed funds to a feasibility study for the proposed City West Cycle Link.

The cycle link is estimated to cost $5 million, with the feasibility study receiving funds of $3000 from the City of Sydney, $5000 from Leichhardt Council, and $3000 from Ashfield Council.

BIKESydney proposed the link, which will connect the CBD and Anzac Bridge to the GreenWay, Bay Run and Cooks River cycle paths via an off-road cycleway running along the inner-west light rail corridor.

The City of Sydney’s Manager of Cycling Strategy, Fiona Campbell said the City recognises the reliance on the development of quality infrastructure across other council areas.

Thousands of bike riders can potentially be fed through the City West Cycle Link into the city network via connection from the GreenWay running through Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt council areas, according to Ms Campbell.

“By following the inner west light rail corridor, this dedicated off-street cycleway would avoid kilometres of traffic and dangerous car doors, as well as 21 intersections, making a safe and accessible link for everyone,” Ms Campbell said.

A Marrickville Council spokesperson said council is fully supportive of a City West Cycle Link as a means of expanding cycling networks and offering a continuous and safe off-road cycleway to the Anzac Bridge and the CBD’s ‘green lanes’.

“Encouraging cycling as alternative transport is key to increasing the health and wellbeing of the community and reducing congestion and pollution,” the spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, there has been “strong support” from local councils and various sectors of the community, including cycling groups.

Whilst well outside the Marrickville LGA and not within the GreenWay corridor, Marrickville Council supports this link as it would complement the GreenWay by providing a direct and level alternative commuter cycling route to the CBD, the spokesperson said.

The Roads and Traffic Authority will undertake the feasibility study with support from participating councils.