Bicycle NSW has celebrated the opening of the new active transport link (ATL) shared user path alongside the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 tracks.
All the fences came down for a ‘soft launch’ on 31st May. The advocacy team enjoyed a ride along the full length of the ATL from Tramway Avenue in Parramatta to Boundary Road in Carlingford. The path climbs steadily heading north - about 100m over 6km. There are no road crossings.
The path is wide and generous, the urban design and landscaping is of a high standard, and the views are fantastic, particularly when coasting downhill on the way back to Parramatta! A map of the route is here.
The group assembled at Tramway Avenue with the ATL behind stretching up and over James Ruse Drive. Jeff and Angela from the project team provided fantastic insights into the design and delivery process, challenges overcome, and problems deftly solved. (Photo: Bicycle NSW)
Thanks to members of Bicycle User Groups CAMWEST and Bike North for coming on the ride. Both BUGs have campaigned over many years for more bike infrastructure in the Parramatta area and we so appreciate their contributions to making NSW better for bike riding.
Staff from Parramatta City Council and the project team also joined us and provided insights into the design and delivery of the ATL
This fantastic bridge over James Ruse Drive is just west of Tramway Avenue. It can also be reached from the Parramatta Valley Cycleway - a great way to get to Harris Park for a curry lunch! (Photo: Bicycle NSW)
The ATL is a huge asset for the regional cycling network
A map showing connections to other cycling paths can be found here. The map shows where you can currently access the ATL. Some of the future access points and connections to the wider walking and cycling network are not complete.
A ride from Carlingford to Parramatta can be combined with the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, the Epping to Carlingford Cycleway and the Ryde Green Links to create a great day out on two wheels. The Alfred Street Bridge near the Tramway Avenue stop will be open very soon, adding new options for loop rides.
Huge kudos to Transport for NSW for prioritising active transport alongside the light rail. Let’s hope the Providing in Walking and Cycling in Transport Projects policy will now ensure equally good outcomes from ALL state infrastructure investments!
The group reaches the Carlingford stop. High-quality urban design is evident around each stop. The water bubbler is working already - good news after the climb up from the river! (Photo: Bike North)
However, bikes are definitely not prioritised everywhere in Parramatta!
Parramatta Light Rail Stage One has excluded bicycles from large parts of the Parramatta CBD. This undermines the great good that can be achieved by the transformation of traffic sewers into multi-modal transport corridors.
It is paramount that issues around bike riding in the Parramatta CBD are resolved as a matter of urgency and not repeated with Stage Two. We have elevated the issue with the new Transport Minister.
“Bicycle NSW would like bicycles to have full access to CBD streets. As previously suggested, track inserts should be used in locations where paths cross at acute angles. There are translatable solutions that have been developed in different parts of the world to make tram tracks safer for bicycles”, says Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean. “We would welcome participating in a trial with Transport for NSW”.
Heading south towards Parramatta - an easy downhill cruise with great views over the valley. (Photo: Bike North)
Stage One of the Parramatta Light Rail is very close to the finish line.
Construction has been a painful and disruptive process – including for bike riders – but installation of the 16 stops is nearly complete, the green tracks look great and passenger services are due to start in 2024.
The green tracks near Tramway Avenue. Unfortunately, the ATL finishes here and does not follow the tracks into the Parramatta CBD. (Image: Bicycle NSW)
Design work for Parramatta Light Rail Stage Two continues. The route will link rapidly growing communities to the north and south of Parramatta River to the Parramatta CBD. Light rail will enable major urban renewal at Camellia and finally connect the residents of Wentworth Point with jobs, services and public transport hubs.
Another 8.5km Active Transport Link (ATL) between Camellia and the Carter Street precinct will run parallel to the light rail tracks. The ATL will support access to light rail, train, bus and ferry stops, ensuring that more people can mix transport modes and choose car-free options for more trips.
Bicycle NSW wrote a detailed submission when Stage 2 concept plans were on exhibition at the end of 2022.
The route for Stage One (in red) and Stage Two of the Parramatta Light Rail (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)
Bicycle NSW works hard to ensure that huge NSW Government investments in infrastructure deliver the best possible outcomes for active transport. Join Bicycle NSW to support our advocacyampaigns.
