News — August–September 2000
Police on Bikes
After a long time of depending on motorised vehicles, police units around the world are starting to see once again the value of bicycles for policing. The Parramatta command was the first in Sydney to adopt bikes, and it was an instant success in community policing. It now receives calls from other units wanting to start their own. It has grown to 14 members, has achieved 246 arrests and laid more than 300 charges. It has contributed in bringing Parramatta down from the 3rd worst crime area to a ranking of 21.
In this issue of CAMWEST News, we interview Senior Constable Dave Flood, a keen cyclist and an officer in the Parramatta police unit. He tells us how it all started, describes a typical day in the bike unit, and shares his thoughts on cycling in Western Sydney. Some of his comments:
"Parramatta was the first patrol to return to the use of bikes for active policing duties... The impact of bike policing has been significant, Parramatta went from the 3rd worst area for crime in the state (the worst in the metropolitian area) to a ranking of 21st."
"We are still receiving phone calls from police at other stations wanting information in order to get their crews up and running."
"I am currently in the process of educating management level police to the importance of using better quality equipement."
Cycleway Proposal Presented
A copy of the Upper Parramatta River Cycleway proposal report prepared by CAMWEST dated March 2000 has been forwarded to Godden Mackay Logan, the consultants working on the public consultation concerning the future use of the North Parramatta Government Precinct, which takes in Parramatta Gaol, Cumberland Hospital and surrounding sites.
CAMWEST is a keen supporter of this route. It would link
the Hills area with Westmead, Parramatta, and the Parramatta
Valley Cycleway.
More Info.
Parra Council narrows cycle route
Parramatta City
Council has line-marked a wide centre median strip on Kleins
Road Northmead, between Boundary Road and Briens Road. This
is a recognised cycle route in the councils BikePlan. The
parking lanes are now so narrow that there is no room left
for bikes if cars are parked there - common on weekdays
as it is an industrial area.
CAMWEST has met with council representatives and raised the issue. We recommend the setup used by Lane Cove Council on Burns Bay Road between Lane Cove Shops and Centennial Avenue. The approximate dimensions for lane marking on each side of this 12.8 m road are as follows: 2.4m parking, 1.2m (minimum) cycling, 2.8m traffic. The separation between the parking lane and the cycling lane is by dotted white line, reinforced with cycling logos. The dotted line encourages parked cars not to stray into the cycling lane. If it can be done in Lane Cove, why not Parramatta?
Watch this space for developments. Meanwhile, feel free to write to council and ask them to fully implement their own BikePlan.
CAMWEST Rides Coming Up!
Two of the main CAMWEST rides, The Bay to Mountains and the Tizzana Winery Luncheon ride, are fast approaching. We have been working hard in organising them, so we hope you enjoy them. Come along for a great day!
M4 Viaduct Cycleway Exhibition
A public exhibition is being held for the review of environmental factors of the M4 viaduct cycleway. This has been a missing link for a long time, and needs to be implemented. Have a look and have your say. The exhibition runs from 31st July to 11 Aug, and the closing date for comments is 25 Aug. Exhibits at:
- Parramatta City library 8 Carlton St granville
- Parramatta City library Civic place Parramatta
- 57 Marion St Harris Park
- RTA registry office 12 McFarlane St Merrylands
For further info call Jeya Jeyaprakesh RTA 9831 0921.
Parramatta-Liverpool Cycleway
The Parramatta-Liverpool cycleway, following the rail corridor, is to be opened on October 29. This is a welcome route to the south from Parramatta which follows easy gradients. The Bay to Mountains ride will be on the same day and will covers some of the new cycleway. So come and test-ride it (and enjoy a great free lunch!). More Details.
Car Free Day -Parramatta Park
Parramatta Regional Park, one of Sydney's most popular cycling venues, is once again holding a car free day. This time it's on Sunday 6th August, to coincide with Wheel for Westmead, a fund raiser event for Westmead Hospital. This is a great chance for the whole family to enjoy a day riding in safety, without having to worry about aggressive drivers. $5 entry, call 9845 7692.
CAMWEST congratulates the Park Trust for its commitment to provide a friendly environment for all.
Anzac Bridge Cycleway completed
The cycleway link between Victoria Road and the Anzac bridge has been completed. This a welcome achievement that will provide the missing link to the city route. It will mean quicker and safer bike trips. The project cost $2 million.
New Cycleway Investigated
CAMWEST is investigating a link between James Ruse Drive and Rydalmere Wharf along the Gas Pipeline. After a saddle survey we identified a preferred route, stakeholders and problems.
Related to this, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning have recommended a project, under the Metropolitan Green Space Grants, that will continue the Cycleway from Morton St along the Parramatta River to the Western Sydney University at Rydalmere. It will also continue the route east of the University to Rydalmere. We expect that this will be finalised soon. Hopefully we can get involved in the planning process when the grant is (hopefully) announced. Watch this space.
Active Australia Day Preparation
This year's Active Australia Day is on Sunday October 29. Why not get that old bike out of the garage and go for a ride? You could set yourself a challenge for the big day and start training now. Otherwise you could join us in one of our rides.
CAMWEST is joining the party by organising one of its polular community rides on the day, the Bay to Mountains.
Riding to Olympic Park
Here's a great way to get to Homebush Bay while having a
great time. There are a number of cycleways which end up at
Olympic Park. The best thing to do is to get the RTA's FREE
Cycleways maps. Call 1 800 060 607, or
get an electronic version. We especially recommend the
Homebush map.
From Westmead, Parramatta, Rydalmere, Ermington, and
Meadowbank, simply take the Parramatta Valley Cycleway and
turn south towards Rhodes.
From South Strathfield, Canterbury, and Tempe, follow the
Cooks River cycleway north.
These cycleways are mostly off-road paths, so you won't have
to worry about cars. There is a number of undercover
U-rails to lock your bikes to in the two main car parking
areas.
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For information on who we are and contact details, click About Us. For feedback on this site or telling us news you want mentioned here, please email cycling (AT) camwest.org.au.
