City of Sydney announces ban on pedestrians from using footpaths, to make more room for food delivery riders

FOOTPATH FALLOUT: The City of Sydney has announced it will ban pedestrians from using inner‑city footpaths next month, reallocating them as bike‑and‑e‑scooter lanes.

“It’s much safer to walk on the road, or even just in the gutter.” declared Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who’s already famed for peppering our streets with under‑used bike lanes.

Under the new plan, anyone caught walking on a footpath faces a $114 fine.

“This policy is little more than a cash grab,” says the Pedestrian Council of Australia.

“And, anything to make life harder for pedestrians will further erode an already sedentary population.”

However food delivery companies are welcoming the changes.

“Our riders shouldn’t have to weave their way around pedestrians on the footpath,” says UberEats.

“Food delivery companies have a hugely positive impact on Australia’s economy, so this is a win-win.”