M7 Cycleway Ride

From my place this is a nice loop ride of about 110km. The M7 has a very nice cycleway right along its length and for the whole 40km or so there are no traffic lights or other places where you have to stop. This was my first ride along the M7 since the cycleway was closed and repaired.

M7 Cycleway

The ride starts along the Cooks River Cycleway to Homebush Bay and then to the Silverwater Bridge. Then across the bridge and along the Parramatta Valley Cycleway to Parramatta.

Cooks River near Dulwich Hill

Next, a ride through the streets of Parramatta to Parramatta Park. Then through the park and along the cycleway from Parramatta to Windsor. Some sections of this cycleway are quite pleasant but its a big shame it does not go along the adjacent T-way corridor. There are far too many delays at traffic lights where the cycleway crosses busy roads. Further – the phasing of these light does not favour cyclists.

Mud crab at Homebush Bay

Homebush Bay cyclepath

Black Swans - Homebush Bay

Once on the M7 Cycleway – it is easy fast riding all the way to Liverpool. Just south of the M4 junction (Light Horse Interchange) is a water stop. The only water available on the ride. I knew about it and was looking out for it – but must have sailed past it! I was annoyed by couldn’t be bothered to ride back.

M7 Cycleway

At the end of the cycleway, near Liverpool, I rode back via the M5. I used the bike lane/breakdown lane. Even with a headwind this was easy riding. But very noisy with cars and trucks flying past at high speed. And you need to be very careful crossing all the on and off ramps. I left it at King George Rd and used the off road M5 Cycleway instead. This is slower – but a much nicer ride.