The recent arrival of shared e-bike services in the City of Ryde has not gone unnoticed by residents, with the distinctive green bikes becoming a common sight on our streets and public spaces. While these bikes offer convenient and cost-effective transportation for users, there are issues for the broader community around obstructed footpaths, impacts on accessibility, pedestrian safety and the amenity of public spaces. I believe the introduction and expansion of shared e-bike schemes have occurred without adequate supporting infrastructure or planning by the NSW Government, resulting in the indiscriminate dumping of bikes after trips are completed. That’s why Council is setting out to identify priority locations for designated shared e-bike parking, particularly around transport hubs, town centres and otherhigh-demand areas. We’ll be looking to apply for the government’s newly announced Shared Scheme Grant Program, which provides up to $200,000 for councils to install designated e-bike parking infrastructure. We’re also seeking commitments from the government about ongoing compliance, enforcement and maintenance responsibilities.
Council made some important decisions around its meeting dates at the 28 July 2026 Ordinary Meeting. From February 2027, meetings will move to the third Monday of every month, withno meeting to be held in July 2027. An amendment will be made to the draft Code of Meeting Practice when it is presented to Council in September 2026 following public exhibition. Council is committed to transparency around its decisions, and our meetings are open to the public, via attendance at Council Chambers or by viewing the internet livestream accessed at our website.
St Annes Anglican Church in Ryde is celebrating its 200th Anniversary in 2026, making it one of the oldest churches in Australia and the third oldest Anglican church in the nation. For decades, St Annes has served as a focal point of community life, hosting baptisms, weddings, funerals and public gatherings for generations of local families, becoming a beating heart of the Ryde community throughout the area's transformation from a rural settlement to a flourishing municipality. The church is commemorating this remarkable milestone with an Open Day on Saturday 22 August from 10.00am – 3.00pm and St Annes Day on Sunday 23 August, with a 7.30am Communion Service and a 10.30am combined English and Mandarin Service. I join the Ryde community in recognising and congratulating St Annes on this significant achievement.
Sincerely, Trenton Brown – Mayor