Cycling

It is magpie breeding season and swooping will be at its peak this September.

Magpies nest in bushland, parks, open spaces and grass areas with tall trees.

Only a small percentage of magpies swoop, but male magpies swoop, screech and clap their beaks at those they deem threatening in order to defend their eggs or newly-hatched young, usually within 50m from their nesting site.

Swooping only lasts for 6 to 8 weeks, up until their young become fledglings and leave the nest.

How to avoid being swooped at:

• Avoid known nesting areas and take alternative routes while cycling or walking.
• Wear a wide brim hat, sunglasses and carry an umbrella. You can attach googly eyes to the back of your hat and on your umbrella too, as they’re less likely to swoop if they think you’re looking at them.
• Travel in groups, as magpies are more likely to swoop at individuals.
• If you’re cycling, wear a helmet and sunglasses, try to walk your bike instead of riding it while passing nesting sites, and attach a bike flag.
• Attach cable ties to your helmet if riding a bike or skateboard to keep magpies at a distance while swooping.
• Avoid harassing or provoking magpies as this will only encourage their aggression. Magpies are protected throughout NSW, and it is against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs, or harm their young,
• Don’t stop by a nesting area, keep moving forward.

For more information click here

The walking and riding path, also known as an active transport link, has been delivered by Transport for New South Wales as part of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 project. The 5.7km path features multiple access points between Boundary Road in Carlingford and Tramway Avenue in Parramatta; as well as bike racks, seating, water stations, journey maps, signs, and motion-sensor LED lighting.

The route also provides some of the best scenic views of Western Sydney. For the first time, pedestrians and bike riders will be able to travel over James Ruse Drive using the new Bidgee Bidgee Bridge in Rosehill.

The path will also connect people to future transport options, including the Alfred Street bridge link over Parramatta River, Alfred Street Cycleway and the 91-kilometre Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link.

Please visit the TfNSW website to check the latest route updates before using the shared path.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 connects Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence passenger services in 2024.

There are active local bicycle user groups (BUGs) in the Parramatta area, get in touch to go for a ride with a local:

• Canada Bay Canada Bay BUG
• Cumberland Her Cycling Connections
• Inner West AshBUG
• Lidcombe–Auburn Lidcombe-Auburn Cycling Club
• Northern suburbs Bike North
• Parramatta Parklife Cycling Club
• Parramatta Parramatta Cycling Club
• Western suburbs CAMWEST

• Wear an approved bike helmet
• A bike must have at least one working brake and either a bell or horn
• At night, a bike must have a steady or flashing white light at the front and, at the rear, a steady or flashing red light and red reflector
• Your bike is a vehicle: failing to obey road or bike rules may result in a fine
• Avoiding hazards
• Be seen – wear bright visible clothing
• Be predictable
• Assertively take your space on the road
• Ride out from opening car doors
• Your rights as a cyclist
• Occupy a whole lane
• At 60km/hour or lower, vehicles must pass cyclists with a minimum of 1m
• At 60km/hour or over, the minimum distance is 1.5m
• Ride two abreast, no more than 1.5m apart
• Travel on footpath only where indicated by signs
• Travel in bus lanes and transit lanes, except for bus only lanes
• Ride on the footpath if you are less than 16 years old (or an adult accompanying a child under 16)
• Travel to the front of a line of traffic on the left hand side
• Turn right from the left lane of a multi-lane roundabout

A free, secure bike shed for 50 bikes has recently been opened near Parramatta Station.

Other lockers

Individual bike lockers are also available at Parramatta Wharf, Rydalmere Wharf and near Parramatta train station.

There are over 40 secure bike parking spaces in two city centre locations:

• Eat Street Car Park (Erby Place)
• City Centre Car Park (Horwood Place)

Each site has:

• secure bike storage area
• lockers for personal items
• change rooms with showers
• swipe card access
• 24-hour CCTV monitoring

Membership is $20 per month and offers:

• 24-hour access to secure bike parking cage, change rooms and lockers
• 24-hour surveillance in the bike storage area
• Member only swipe card access to change rooms and bike storage areas

Join

Call Secure on 9633 1863 or visit the office in either car park.