A once-quiet residential street in Sydney has become the centre of growing tension after the opening of a popular new walking and cycling trail.
Residents of Dulwich Hill say their daily lives have been disrupted since the launch of the GreenWay, a 6-kilometre shared path connecting Iron Cove and the Cooks River.
A popular project with unintended consequences
The GreenWay opened in December and quickly became one of Sydney’s busiest recreation routes.
Cyclists, runners, walkers and tourists now travel along the corridor every day, especially on weekends.
But part of the trail runs along Weston Street, a narrow residential road lined with about 80 homes.
Residents say the sudden surge in visitors has transformed their quiet neighbourhood.
Residents raise safety concerns
Locals say the biggest concern is safety.
They fear that with large numbers of cyclists and pedestrians sharing the street with vehicles, a serious accident could occur.
Some residents have described the situation as increasingly stressful, saying the constant stream of people has created noise and disrupted the community’s sense of calm.
Complaints include:
- Crowded footpaths forcing people onto the road
- Early-morning noise from joggers and cyclists
- Visitors leaving rubbish or using residential bins
- Garden areas being trampled
Some residents say leaving their homes now feels like crossing a busy road.
Council says trail is a success
Despite the complaints, the Inner West Council says the GreenWay has exceeded expectations.
Officials describe the project as extremely popular with both locals and visitors.
Plans for future events, including a GreenWay half-marathon, are already being discussed.
Calls for changes to the route
Residents say they support the idea of the GreenWay but want improvements to reduce the impact on their street.
Suggestions include:
- Lower speed limits for cyclists
- Traffic-calming measures
- Improved signage
- Redirecting part of the trail to wider nearby roads
Supporters of the GreenWay say projects like this help people reconnect with their communities and encourage active transport.
But for many Weston Street residents, the challenge is finding a balance between a successful public project and the realities of everyday life in a residential neighbourhood.
