City of Sydney announce plans for new ‘texting only’ walking lanes on local footpaths

STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: People looking at their phones while walking in Sydney’s CBD will be required to use a ‘texting only’ walking lane, under a new plan announced today by Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Well-known for the introduction of bike lanes throughout the city, Ms Moore says the new walking lanes are an attempt to keep distracted pedestrians from bumping into the rest of us.

“This is a step in the right direction,” says Ms Moore.

“New data shows that injuries caused by walkers distracted by their phones are rising quickly, with young people most likely affected.”

“That’s why we’ve already begun rolling out the new ‘texting only’ walking lanes on Sydney footpaths and expect the network to be complete by 2027.”

Most pedestrians who spoke to DBT are supportive of the new plan.

“I’m so sick and tired of people not watching where they’re walking just because they’re texting or playing Candy Crush or scrolling Tik Tok,” says one Sydney-sider.

But not everyone is on board.

“It’s a good idea, but if I’m looking at my phone I won’t know which lane I’m in,” said another pedestrian.

Under the plan, anyone found to be using the wrong walking lane will be fined $85 dollars.

“This is not a revenue raising activity,” says Clover Moore. “It’s geared to the safety of pedestrians.”

If the new walking lanes prove successful Clover Moore says they will be rolled out in all suburbs around Sydney.