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.
"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."
CAMWEST is a keen supporter of this route. It would link the Hills area with Westmead, Parramatta, and the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.
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.
For further info call Jeya Jeyaprakesh RTA 9831 0921.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From South Strathfield, Canterbury, and Tempe, follow the Cooks River cycleway north.