The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway ramp will feature a prominent design that honours the important Aboriginal history of the area, as plans for the cycleway pass the final hurdle before construction.
The artwork concept, developed by Aboriginal artists Maddie Gibbs and Jason Wing will represent the eels that travel up the Harbour and the coming together of the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.
The ramp will also be given a name that reflects the significance of this area to the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.
The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has now been determined, following a comprehensive review of submissions made during the public display of the document earlier this year.
Construction on the cycleway ramp is scheduled to begin early next year.
The three-metre-wide bike ramp extends from Bradfield Park North, near Burton Street, connecting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway south of the existing stair access.
Bypassing the existing stairs, the new ramp will make the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway much easier for kids, and people with e-bikes and cargo bikes to use every day.
The ramp will connect to an improved cycle route connecting Middlemiss Street and the existing bicycle network. The street works will include a new zebra crossing on Alfred Street South for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the street.
The ramp design has had significant input from the community, including a design competition that selected ASPECT Studios team as the winning concept.
Following additional consultation with the community during the REF, the design has been further developed to respond to stakeholder and community feedback. This includes ramp refinements to minimise visual impacts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point Railway Station, shortening the ramp length, and changes to lighting and design to improve safety.
The design will now be finalised and Transport will continue to consult with Aboriginal knowledge holders and other key stakeholders on naming the ramp and to engage with the community and stakeholders before and during construction.
Find out more about the cycleway ramp and read the REF reportlaunch
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“This project will be a game changer for kids, people on e-bikes, or people using cargo bikes. The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway will finally be accessible for anyone riding a bike.
“We received submissions from over 1,000 community members and worked with schools, businesses, North Sydney Council, Heritage Council, Heritage NSW and the Government Architect to finalise this design that enhances Sydney’s most iconic landmark.
“The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway spans two Aboriginal lands – the Cammaraygal and Gadigal – and this ramp will feature a design and be given a name that reflects the immense culture of these people.
“The design of the ramp has been developed in consultation with Aboriginal knowledge holders, and important themes that emerged from this consultation have been incorporated into the design.
“The artwork, featuring interconnected eels, will be a striking symbol of reconciliation from the ground and air, and will run the full length of the 200m long ramp.
“The Minns Labor Government wants to make it easier for anyone who can walk or ride a bike, to walk and ride. It frees up space on the roads and on public transport for others, it’s a lot of fun, and you get to enjoy one of the world’s best views as you zoom along the deck of the Harbour Bridge.
“I look forward to seeing work begin early next year.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Aboriginal culture is a living, dynamic culture and integral to Aboriginal identity. It has the ability to attribute places with meaningful identity and connection to Country.
“Initiatives such as this bring the oldest living culture in the world to life in meaningful ways, for all of us to share.”
Artist Jason Wing said:
“The incredible life cycle of eels symbolises the resilience, survival, and adaptation of Aboriginal people.
“Eels symbolise the past and present endurance of Aboriginal people overcoming barriers, new landscapes, seascapes, social changes, and more.
“Our contemporary artwork is inclusive of all Aboriginal mobs around Australia while acknowledging and focusing on local Gadigal and Cammeraygal place.”
Artist Maddie Gibb said:
“The eel’s journey up and down the cycle ramp references the freshwater to saltwater journey.
“The two different coloured eels symbolise the salt water and freshwater transition as well as the physical transition of the eels.
“The contemporary imagery is a reclamation of physical, spiritual, and cultural place, connecting sky, land, and water.
“The eels’ epic migration has a deep memory and celebrates its lifelong cyclical journey, always returning to where its life began.”