Surry Hills Streets to Be Transformed Under New Bike Lane Plan

A major change is coming to Surry Hills, where two key streets are set to become part of a new separated cycleway despite local concerns about traffic, safety and parking access.

The City of Sydney approved the Surry Hills to Central Quietway project, moving forward with a plan to convert parts of Cooper and Arthur streets into one-way roads with eastbound cycleways. The project is part of the city’s long-term goal to boost bike use to 10 per cent of all trips by 2030, as outlined in its Cycling Strategy and Action Plan.

Project Scope and Community Impact

The Quietway will form an important east-west cycling route from Elizabeth Street near Central Station to South Dowling Street, improving access for school students, local workers and residents travelling through the area. The council says the changes will reduce traffic volume and speed, while making it safer to walk and ride.

To achieve this, the project will turn sections of Cooper and Arthur streets into westbound one-way roads and install a contraflow cycleway going eastbound. The plan includes widened footpaths, raised pedestrian crossings, new garden beds and tree planting for shade. Lighting and stormwater upgrades will also be part of the works. The design does not involve major changes to road shape, and property access will remain in place.

However, some locals and business owners worry the changes will create new risks. There are safety concerns about the cycleway running past the Evening Star Hotel, where delivery workers regularly move beer kegs across the street. There is also frustration from residents who say the one-way traffic will force detours of up to 1 kilometre just to reach their homes. Others are concerned about rubbish collection and loss of car access to their properties.

Parking and Access Questions

Under the plan, 12 car parking spaces will be removed. Council documents show that 12 new spaces have been identified in nearby streets, though these are still subject to further review and community feedback. Even with this offset, some residents fear that already tight parking conditions in Surry Hills could worsen, especially during peak hours or on weekends.

Business owners also raised issues about service vehicles not being able to turn into driveways, particularly those on Elizabeth Street. The council’s response highlights that changes have been made to the design to protect property access and improve traffic sightlines.

Consultation and Next Steps

The proposal went through public consultation in mid-2024, drawing more than 270 submissions. A majority were in favour of the plan, according to the council’s engagement report, though several changes were made in response to community feedback. These included more traffic calming features, better pedestrian access, and greening efforts with additional trees and garden beds.

Transport for NSW has given in-principle support for the traffic changes. The revised design will be brought to the Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee later in 2025 for further review. Design completion is expected by the end of this year, with construction to run from mid-2026 through to mid-2027, depending on funding approval.

Balancing Safety, Transport and Environment

The Quietway is part of a broader strategy to make Sydney a city for walking, cycling and public transport. The council says the improvements will not only support safe travel but also contribute to healthier lifestyles, lower transport costs and a more environmentally friendly city.

The route is also expected to serve students attending Inner Sydney High School, where 20 per cent of students cycle. It will provide a safer link between Bourke Street Cycleway and Prince Alfred Park, helping reduce the number of cars on the road during school travel times.

Despite concerns, the City of Sydney maintains that the project will improve community safety and access. The council has committed to monitoring traffic conditions after the works are completed and making adjustments if necessary.

Published 28-March-2025