NSW Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes wants to resolve past friction between the state government and City of Sydney over cycleways, and use public space to promote cycling, walking and running.

“I’m very keen to move forward from that – I see our mission should be a shared one there,” Dr Stokes said.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes is keen to promote cycleways. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Dr Stokes said he wanted to work with councils and his colleague the Transport Minister to use public space to promote active transport, adding that roads themselves were public space.

“I'm very aware that Sydney is not a cycle-friendly city and much of that is the way in which the road network is shaped," he said. "We need to use open space to promote alternatives like safe cycling and running and walking because there's a real public health benefit to this."