Cycling in Parramatta

Parramatta is a great place to ride a bike. Parramatta is reasonably flat and has good cycle links to greater Sydney. Riding a bike for short trips often quicker than driving at peak times. By riding to work, you can reduce your environmental impact, improve your health and avoid sitting in traffic. In Sydney over 50% of trips are less than 5 km. These can be easily ridden by bicycle.

Travelling 5 to 10km by bicycle only takes around 30 minutes. Try to avoid using the car and cycle instead; it’s not only good for your health and wellbeing but also a perfect way to meet people and explore your neighbourhood.

If you have not cycled for a while start slowly and build up distance and speed over time.

Shopping by bicycle is easy. Get a basket or bike rack or find out if the shop does deliveries for larger purchases If you have children, cycle with them to school until they are confident to travel independently.

Some practical cycling tips

• If you have not used your bike for a while, check that it’s in good working order before your first ride.
• Start with short trips on quiet roads or bike paths before tackling longer trips. If you are riding to work ask your work mates if they cycle. They can be a wealth of information and support.
• Combining cycling with public transport is a great way to cover longer distances. Secure bicycle lockers are available at Parramatta Wharf and Parramatta Railway Station. Contact Bicycle NSW ( www.bicyclensw.org.au) for more information

If you would like more information about riding to work visit -

www.bicyclensw.org.au

http://www.bv.com.au/join-in/126/

Some of the cycle routes in Parramatta are-

• The Parramatta Valley Cycleway starts at Morrisan Bay Park in Ryde and heads west along dedicated bike paths, quiet streets and the river foreshore. Cyclists can proceed to Parramatta CBD or explore the connection to Sydney Olympic Park via the Silverwater Bridge.
  
• The two Transit-ways (or T-ways) to the North-West and Liverpool both include shared pedestrian and cycle paths offering a good route to Liverpool via Wetherall Park and to Rouse Hill adjacent to Old Windsor Road.
  
• The M4 Motorway Viaduct Route links Auburn, Granville, Holroyd and the Parramatta CBD via Good Street or Mays Hill.
  
• The Parramatta to Liverpool Rail Trail is nearly 17km long and runs parallel to the railway line through Merrylands, Yennora and Fairfield to Liverpool.
  
• Parramatta Park, roughly half the size of Centennial Park, is the favourite training ground of local riders.