News — July–August 2002
Feature: Parramatta Report
Rides Coming Up
Tizzana Winery Ride
Sunday August 25
Contact: Danny
$30 for lunch, juice, water and coffee
More Info
Bay to Mountains Ride
Saturday 19th October
More Info
North West Transitways Need Cycleways
CAMWEST President, Danny Hannan, attended a public meeting
on 6.2.02 held by Sinclair Knight Merz for the
preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement that they
have been commissioned to do for the proposed North
Western
Sydney Transitway Network.
It seems that the specification for the cycleway following the transitway is to be a recreational cycleway. CAMWEST is concerned that a second rate facility may be built, and that 'only when possible'. A recreational cycleway is not adequate for what is supposed to be a transport corridor. They lack the continuity, easy of travel and the safety for all of the varied users that they will attract.
We think that a high quality commuter cycleway should be built along the route. Commuter cycleways are continuous, have ease of travel and designed safety for all users whether they are pedestrians, skaters, recreational cyclists, or ardent cycling enthusiasts.
The specifications for the Transitway cycleways need to be upgraded to commuter standard and included for all Transitways even if they are not in the same corridor and have to parallel the Transitway route.
CAMWEST will continue to push for:
- Well designed cycleways along the routes, which are continuous.
- Good linkages to existing cycleways.
- Bike storage facilities at and cycle routes to stations, so that bikes can be used as a 'feeder' mechanism.
What can you do? See our Action Corner.
Bike Cops are Tops
Pollies go for a Bush Pedal
Pollie Pedal 2002 was a charity bike ride from Lightning Ridge to Albury by a number of politicians held 2-10 March. Participants included Tony Abbott, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations; Ross Cameron, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Family and Community Services; Jackie Kelly, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister; Jim Lloyd, Chief Government Whip; Phil Barresi, Member for Deakin; NSW MLC, Charlie Lynn; and Mayor Of Goulburn, Max Hadlow.
This is the fifth year of the ride, and it gave the pollies to get out of Canberra and connect with common people, particularly those in the bush.
CAMWEST congratulates Parramatta's own MP, Ross Cameron, for his involvement in the ride!
Thackery Bridge Improved!
The infamous Thackery Bridge on the
Parramatta Valley Cycleway has been re-decked after a
CAMWEST member raised concerns about missing planks. The
fencing has also been replaced with a higher fence. Thanks to
Parramatta Council for a quick response.
Transport Talks
CAMWEST attended a talk by Professor John Whitelegg at the Parramatta Heritage Centre, organised by Smogbusters. The talk provided a new perspective on sustainable transport in the 21st Century. Cycling was featured as a key factor in providing a solution to our cities. Professor Whitelegg is a well respected speaker and author on sustainable transport in Europe as well as a government transport strategy and policy adviser.
Quick News
Improvements have been made to pedestrian and cyclist safety in Railway Parade, Westmead, right outside the station. Thank you to Cr Chris Worthington for his help in making this happen!
The Blacktown bike plan (now five years old) is considered unfeasible. Council is contracting a consulting firm to review the bke plan. Next meeting will consider a draft proposal for changes by the consultants. CAMWEST is involved in providing feedback.
The path sections of Crestwood reserve have been altered, disrupting the regional route to Rouse Hill. Alterations seem to have taken no account to the regional route status.
An off-road link is being made from Castlewood Dve, Baulkham Hills down to Darling Mills creek to link up with West Pennant Hills. We think Ausroads specifications should be adhered to.
CAMWEST is producing its own cycling jerseys: bright orange, three pockets at the back, about $55 depending on numbers. If you'd like to buy one, contact our president, Danny.
For those unaware, 'Bikes R Us' in North Parramatta has closed. Operations will be consolidated at Universe's original smaller store closer towards Parramatta.
There has been a product recall for a Mongoose Pro bicycle, with model name 'Rockadile AL Mountain Bike' with distinctive Y shaped frame. More info
Our next newsletter issue will come out by the start of July.
In the Media Lately
Death by gorging hard to stomach (SMH, 22.4.01)
Govt
failing at reducing greenhouse emissions: Opposition
(ABC, 18.4.02)
The lost battle: one in 10 boys obese (SMH,
15/Apr/2002)
"Obesity rates among primary school boys have trebled in just
five years".
Oiling or spoiling the recovery? (The Economist, 8.4.02)
Cyclist fights for his life in hospital (Parramatta
Sun, 20/3/02)
The paper reports that a man has been charged in relation to
a cyclist being hit on the M2. The cyclist is still in
hospital.
Tuvalu disappointed by greenhouse stance (SMH, 4.3.02)
Wanted: grand plan to get us back on tracks (SMH Opinion, 2.3.02)
Next wave of CBDs must be more than shopping centres
(SMH, 4.3.02)
The article reports that "transport was a key to change. It
was harder for people in outer metropolitan areas mainly
serviced by expensive private buses to get to university and
to the top, high-paid jobs in Global Sydney".
Cross City tunnel deeper, longer - and twice the price (SMH, 28/Feb/2002)
RAIL ON THE EDGE: A Herald investigation (SMH, 25-7.2.02)
Warning: The Sydney Morning Herald seems to have introduced fees for viewing its archived articles. Due to this, some of our article links may no longer work (or you'll need to pay for them). They have done some classifying of their articles, though, with a specific section on bicycle articles.
CAMWEST Needs You
We need more members to achieve better bike facilities in Western Sydney. Lately some members have become less involved because of personal circumstances. At the same time, there's a number of projects we'd like to get involved in. Join us and make a difference.
Action Corner!
Write/Email to to your local state MP and the consultants Sinclair Knights Merz (transitways@skm.com.au). Express your desire for the transitway cycleways to be of commuter level. You can copy the sample letter below, but edit it yourself ideally.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am concerned that the cycleways built along
the proposed North Western
Sydney Transitway Network will be of a recreational level,
and that 'only when possible'. A recreational cycleway is not
adequate for what is supposed to be a transport corridor.
They lack the continuity, easy of travel and the safety for
all of the varied users that they will attract.
We think that a high quality commuter cycleway should be built along the route. Commuter cycleways are continuous, have ease of travel and designed safety for all users whether they are pedestrians, skaters, recreational cyclists, or ardent cycling enthusiasts.
The specifications for the Transitway cycleways need to be upgraded to commuter standard and included for all Transitways even if they are not in the same corridor and have to parallel the Transitway route.
Sincerely,
<Your Name>
CAMWEST's Action Corner is where we include one or two suggestions of something simple and concrete that you can do: write an email, letter, representation, turn up for a ride, etc. Join us in making a difference!
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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.
