Bike Leichhardt

Seizing on the success of the Greenway, the NSW Government has announced a new 'Active Transport Corridor' along the soon to opened Metro between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Much of this corridor already exists, either as paths, footpaths or quiet streets. It remains to be seen what the design is, and what happens at the major road crossings. Announcements are cheap.

Come with me as we explore where this corridor will go, what some of the alternatives are. We can view much of the progress of the Metro (the Bankstown Plaza, the stations) and we may get some glimpses of metro train sets being tested. Part of the corridor is also a major freight corridor.

Unlike the Greenway, this corridor will link major centres, community facilities and metro stations.

We meet at the 'Yarn Circle', the point at Tennent Parade, Hurlstone Park, where the Greenway meets the Cooks River Path. This is just a short ride down from the Dulwich Hill L1 Light Rail terminus (Jack Shanahan Park) and is next to Lang Rd bridge. Meet at 8:30 ready to ride, with a bike in good working order, spare tube, helmet, water and sunscreen.

We will ride along the Cooks River Path to Carrington St, we won't actually go to Sydenham station (BTW the Metro is not running that weekend) pause, and then continue on back streets, paths etc, all the way to Bankstown. We do ride on a number of quiet streets, jump footpaths, so it is not a straightforward ride.

At Bankstown (we may have coffee at Belmore or Bankstown - to be decided) you have the option of catching the train to Lidcombe, then another train back to the Inner West. I will ride on to pick up the M5 Linear park at Salt Pan Creek. This will take us back to Earlwood, a few hills, then back to our starting point.

The full ride is 34 km. I would class it more intermediate rather than beginner.u

Take the train from Redfern platform4 at 7.13 AM to Rooty Hill, starting the
ride from the Rooty Hill station at 8.30. There is quite a good cafe next to the station on
the RSL side. This segment is complex with lots of turns at 35kms riding to
Parramatta and along the Parramatta River to Meadow bank. Some urban
traffic is expected closer to Parramatta the bulk of the riding will be on very
good quality cycle paths. Lunch will be at Meadow Bank cafe. At the end of
the ride take the ferry to the CBD or Train it. Coolish weather so bring layers and rain gear - and snacks as long sections between food opportunities. Check the Departure details with tNSW as schedules change -

Segment Four - 7 June : Meadowbank to Clyne Reserve (Barangaroo)

Take the 8.37 ferry from Circular Quay to Meadowbank arriving at 9.30. Alternatively, train from Redfern platform 4 at 7.40 AM. If on the train take the Bay Drive from the station towards the harbour (down hill). Check transport schedules beforehand please.

Meet at the Meadowbank Ferry Terminal for a 9.35 start. This segment is 35 kms and relatively hilly. There are lots of toilets, water refill stations and food options up until the Lane Cove cafe at the causeway at the bottom of the hill, then there is nothing on the route until you arrive in Wollstonecraft. There are a couple of steep climbs . One is on Anzac Avenue in West Ryde/Deniston is a 11% climb with a steeper 12% section. The second one is the very long 11% climb out of Lane Cove up Fullers Road.

The first safety issue is at the intersection of Station Street and Victoria Road near West Ryde Station. It’s a right turn and a buses only R turn.
The Brooke Street Motorway underpass is awkward and slow. My thanks to Fran and Peter for detailing this segment.

Watch for updates closer to the departure date.