September 27, 1992

FROM a distance, the two bicyclists in navy shorts and matching shirts looked like buddies out for a late-summer workout. But as they drew closer, it became apparent that these were no ordinary bicyclists: Metal badges pinned to their shirts glittered in the noonday sun; 9-millimeter Smith & Wessons hung from belts around their waists. Officers Sam Stia and Ralph Mastrangelo are part of Hamilton's eight-man bicycle patrol. Though only two years old, the patrol is a veteran among the estimated two dozen such units that have since sprouted throughout the state. New additions include Highland Park, in June; Elizabeth, in July, and Newark, last month.

THE sniping has already begun. "I've seen parts of Webster Hall; it doesn't look too interesting," said Eric Goode, the designer of USA, a Times Square nightclub that will open in November.

NEW concentrations of women with breast cancer and other cancers are being reported on Long Island as additional people and groups learn about others with cancer in their neighborhoods and work places. The state's five-year Long Island Breast Cancer Survey, released in 1990, reported areas with clusters on the North and South Shores. The concentrations were not identified by block or with the names of individuals.

Local ordinances being what they are, the Boston College Eagles will soon develop some serious problems if their undefeated football season continues much longer. The concept of oranges as litter, symbolizing bowl-game hopes, does not go over well in this neighborhood. And then there's this rapidly expanding bandwagon. Ever try to parallel park a 32-wheeler on Commonwealth Avenue?

U.S. Armaments to Israel The U.S. has agreed to send helicopters to Israel and to store other equipment there. The moves are a balance to the Saudi F-15 sale. Page 12. Hope Dries Up in Sarajevo In a statistic that sums up its despair, the Bosnian capital suffered more casualties last week than in any other in the six-month siege. Page 12. Co-ops for the Poor New York City will sell 730 apartments it bought with Federal funds to public housing tenants. Page 33.