Harris Park to Parra bike route for a newbie commuting?

[geminimum]

Hi everyone. I'll be commuting to work from Harris Park (Brisbane St) and would like advice on which route to take to Parramatta. I want to end up at the courts on George St. Since I am new at this I was thinking of heading down Harris St towards the wharf and ride along there (watch out pedestrians!) I wouldn't be comfortable on the main road. I'm guessing I have to cross over the bridge to get to the other side so I end up on the exit where I could get back onto O'Connell St. Otherwise it ends somewhere where the old Harris Farm markets use to be? Any help and advice much appreciated!

[Bunged Knee]

Hi, Welcome to the forum.
See the map in this link

[geminimum]

Thanks Bunged Knee, this is great! I didn't know you could choose the Bike option in Google maps! I'm very excited. I'm sure there are other ways to go. Just worried about the cars. My work colleague gave me a suggestion too. Looks like I'll be checking it out this weekend.

[find_bruce]

Go for a ride and see how you go. If you find Harris St a little busy, an easy alternative would be via Alfred St

[zebee]

Be careful about bike option. It's quite capable of telling you to cycle on a main road with no bike facilities. Such as Paramatta Rd.

Mind you... bit of Parra Rd do have footpaths as shared paths. THey just don't bother putting up signs.

[g-boaf]

The route above is the best one, just get off the cycleway at Church Street, go along to Phillip Street, then left onto Marsden Street or the lane that runs alonside the courts (from what I can see). Harris Street shouldn't be too bad, and the main streets in Parramatta should be okay (low speed traffic).

[brumby33]

Be careful about bike option. It's quite capable of telling you to cycle on a main road with no bike facilities. Such as Paramatta Rd.

Mind you... bit of Parra Rd do have footpaths as shared paths. THey just don't bother putting up signs.

Yeah know what you mean about google bike option zebee...the other night I was just having a muck around with it doing a mock-up plan for riding between Beverly Hills to Randwick via Bardwell Park...well it had me ride up the hill through Earlwood which is one of the heaviest local roads with no shoulder in the St George area, down Bayview to Tempe, then had me heading up the Princess Highway from Tempe to past Canal Road...I say Say What!! I double checked to see if it was still in bicycle mode....that area of princess Highway would be suicide....it's nerve wracking enough on a motorcycle let alone a pushy

[g-boaf]

Be careful about bike option. It's quite capable of telling you to cycle on a main road with no bike facilities. Such as Paramatta Rd.

Mind you... bit of Parra Rd do have footpaths as shared paths. THey just don't bother putting up signs.

Yeah know what you mean about google bike option zebee...the other night I was just having a muck around with it doing a mock-up plan for riding between Beverly Hills to Randwick via Bardwell Park...well it had me ride up the hill through Earlwood which is one of the heaviest local roads with no shoulder in the St George area, down Bayview to Tempe, then had me heading up the Princess Highway from Tempe to past Canal Road...I say Say What!! I double checked to see if it was still in bicycle mode....that area of princess Highway would be suicide....it's nerve wracking enough on a motorcycle let alone a pushy

Use Strava and the routes feature it has, that will give you the most common routes used by riders. It's not perfect, but it is reasonable.

[tez001]

Along Harris st to Parkes St is pretty quiet, you shold be fine. If from Parkes to the cyclepath down by the river is a bit busy on Harris st, just footpath it until the Albion hotel

[geminimum]

Thanks everyone. On my first ride, I decided to try along the station but you end up near the train station at Parra and boy there were pesky pedestrians everywhere! Not good and too many traffic light stops. Macquarie St was medium traffic as well but I have tried the riverside and I must say that is a very enjoyable ride (as pictured) Depending how I feel I cross over and walk my bike up a few steps and on the bridge to get to the back of the building.
Every morning, I just glow inside when my father in law puts the bike out so I don't have to dig it out of the garage. My mother in law internally is freaking out but it's all good. Waiting for my goodies to arrive: a pannier rack and some bike lights. Would you suggest fenders? Got sprayed with these disgusting wet leaves and slimy stuff near the park this morning.