The grand opening of a new bike ramp on the Sydney Harbour Bridge has sparked excitement among commuters, marking a significant transformation in how cyclists traverse this iconic landmark. Gone are the days of struggling up a daunting 55-step staircase; this smooth ramp now provides a seamless route from North Sydney to the central business district (CBD), fulfilling decades of advocacy efforts, redesigns, and community feedback.
This long-awaited enhancement, which became accessible to the public on Tuesday, is set to revolutionize cycling across the bridge, particularly benefiting heavy e-bikes, those equipped with trailers, and older cyclists who may have found the previous setup challenging.
Tony Stanley, a resident of Crows Nest, shared his joy as he was finally able to cycle across the bridge with his wife and young daughter. Previously, their e-bike and trailer were too cumbersome to navigate the stairs. "Today was special; my daughter rode her own little two-wheeler across the harbour bridge for the first time, all decked out in Christmas tinsel," he beamed. "She usually rides to daycare every day, but this experience was just fantastic—it really opens up our travel options!"
According to data from 2025, around 1,500 trips are made along this cycleway daily. State transport minister John Graham emphasized the importance of this "long-overdue" ramp, built at a cost of $39 million, predicting it will draw even more cyclists to the route.
Stuart Lobb, another local cyclist donning his bike club attire, expressed enthusiasm for the ramp, looking forward to sharing the path he has enjoyed for 24 years with many new users. "It all flows beautifully now. Riding to work over the bridge while taking in the stunning views of the water and the ferries is simply amazing," he remarked.
The ramp begins at Bradfield Park in Milsons Point and leads cyclists onto the dedicated bike lane on the bridge's west side. While crossing, cyclists are treated to breathtaking sights, including vistas of the Parramatta River, with landmarks like Luna Park to the north and the historic Rocks district to the south. The distinctive sails of the Sydney Opera House peek above the bridge's eastern edge, framed by the hustle of trains, vehicles, and pedestrians moving along the east-side walkway.
Discussions about constructing a ramp date back to 1999, but plans faced numerous delays due to local opposition from residents concerned about the loss of green space. Russ Webber, an advocate for the ramp since 2000, unfortunately lost the ability to ride before construction began in 2023. However, he celebrated the completion on Tuesday by crossing the bridge in a trishaw alongside fellow campaigner Carolyn New, pedaled by John Kelman from the Cycling Without Age charity. "I haven’t been on a bike for three years, so this has been a wonderful experience. This ramp is going to make a huge difference!" Webber exclaimed.
On the opening day, hundreds flocked to the bridge: food delivery riders on e-bikes, commuters on Lime scooters, tradespeople on dirt bikes, and families with children in tow. Experienced cyclists zoomed past, some focused and serious, while others wore smiles as they relished the unbroken ride.
This new path is part of a broader network of cycling infrastructure improvements across Sydney, following the recent completion of the GreenWay path in December 2025. Cyclists can now enjoy a nearly uninterrupted route stretching from North Sydney through the CBD, across the Anzac Bridge, and down to the Cooks River, with connections extending to Brighton-le-Sands and Olympic Park. Additionally, a route along Oxford Street has begun to take shape, with its first segment opening last July and aiming to connect cyclists to Bondi Junction.
Jullietta Jung, former transport department manager and now president of the Better Streets advocacy group, highlighted the renewed optimism surrounding the development of more bike lanes. "When people see that cycling can be both beautiful and beneficial to the environment, it definitely creates momentum for further projects," she said. "We’re gradually piecing together these missing links to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can ride safely in our cities."
As this new chapter unfolds, one can't help but wonder: what other changes could enhance urban cycling experiences? Are we ready to embrace a future where biking becomes a primary mode of transport in our cities?
