The Art of Leading Safe, Predictable Group Rides & Bike Buses

Looking for safe and enjoyable Sydney guided rides or a well-structured Bike Bus? At Pedal Set Go, our professional bike educators lead expertly planned group rides, ensuring predictability, safety, and confidence on the road. Our bike buses and guided rides keep riders moving smoothly as a unit, minimising risks and maximising the pleasure of cycling in a group. With routes designed for visibility and efficiency, we help you ride with skill, avoid common mistakes, and navigate traffic safely. Join a professionally led ride today and experience the best of Sydney cycling!

A well-led group ride flows smoothly, stays predictable, and keeps everybody safe. Without structure and guidance, a group can quickly become scattered, unpredictable, and stressful—not just for the riders but for all road users.

At Pedal Set Go, we’ve spent years refining the art of leading safe, structured, and enjoyable guided rides and bike buses. Group riding is a skill, just like riding a bike itself, and without structured guidance, things can unravel quickly. How a group moves through traffic impacts not just their safety but also how other road users perceive and respond to them.

Lately, we’ve noticed more group rides appearing, which is fantastic for bike culture. But not all group rides are created equal—small mistakes in group movement can have big consequences. So, what separates a well-organised ride from one that feels like a rolling hazard?

Common Challenges in Group Rides & Bike Buses

Predictability is Key

The foundation of safe group riding is predictability—other road users should never have to guess where a group is going next. If riders are meandering across lanes, switching between single file and bunch riding unpredictably, or leaving erratic gaps, the risk of close calls increases.

At Pedal Set Go, we teach consistent, clear positioning—riding two abreast where safe and legal, shifting to single file when appropriate, and maintaining a structured, visible formation.

Two Abreast: Legal & Often the Safest Option

Let’s clear this up: riding two abreast is completely legal in Australia, as long as both riders stay in the same lane. In fact, it’s often the safest way to ride.

When done well, a group riding two abreast moves through intersections efficiently, protects less confident riders, and remains highly visible. The issue isn’t riding two abreast—it’s when riders unintentionally drift into three or more abreast or switch formations without clear communication.

The Door Zone: A Hidden but Serious Risk

One of the leading causes of cyclist hospitalisation is being doored—when a parked car door suddenly opens into a rider’s path.

At Pedal Set Go, we never position a group in the door zone. If avoiding it isn’t possible, we slow to a walking pace—because at any faster speed, reaction time isn’t enough to prevent a crash.

Wheel Overlaps & Poor Spacing

A classic mistake in group riding is allowing wheels to overlap—where the front wheel of one rider drifts ahead of the rear wheel of another. If the rider in front swerves or slows, the overlapping rider is almost guaranteed to crash.

Another common issue is letting participants ride up front. There should only ever be one ride leader at the front—not multiple participants edging forward, blocking visibility, and increasing the risk of sudden braking or collisions.

Signaling: Progressive Skills & Risk Mitigation

At Pedal Set Go, our skills are progressive, meaning we build each rider’s ability step by step. That’s how we mitigate risk—riders only take on new skills once they’ve demonstrated control.

Signaling is important, but only when riders have the skills to do it without compromising their control of the bike. A common mistake in poorly led group rides is expecting every rider to signal, even those who haven’t yet acquired one-handed riding skills in real-world conditions.

That’s why we prioritise bike handling first. If a rider hasn’t demonstrated they can safely control their bike with one hand, signalling is not necessary—because keeping both hands on the bars is the safest option.

E-Bikes & Group Riding: A Common Misconception

Many people assume a guided ride on e-bikes will be faster than one on standard bikes. While e-bikes help on hills and can support riders with lower fitness levels, speed isn’t dictated by the bike—it’s dictated by riders’ abilities and road conditions.

In NSW, legal e-bikes cut motor assistance at 25km/h. Beyond that, riders rely purely on pedalling. At 25 km/h, a lot can go wrong in a group if riders lack control skills—sudden stops, overlapping wheels, or unpredictable movements become much riskier at speed. And 25 km/h is very fast on a busy cycleway at peak hour!

At Pedal Set Go, we set the speed to match the demonstrated abilities of all riders—never faster—and always in response to road conditions, not the bike’s capabilities. Our guided rides and bike buses are designed to build confidence in using bikes for transport, not performance. These are not training sessions for racing or the velodrome—our goal is to help people ride safely and comfortably in everyday environments.

Why Route Design Matters for Group Riding & Bike Buses

Riding solo and riding in a guided group or bike bus are two completely different experiences. A solo rider can make quick decisions about gaps in traffic, speed changes, and positioning. A group, however, needs to function as one predictable unit—staying together, being highly visible, and avoiding unnecessary stops and starts.

At Pedal Set Go, we design our routes specifically for group riding.

  • We choose routes that allow the group to move efficiently through intersections.

  • We prioritise visibility—so the group is seen as a cohesive unit, not scattered riders.

  • We minimise unnecessary stopping and starting—reducing delays and keeping the ride smooth.

A poorly planned route can leave a group strung out across multiple intersections, forcing riders to play catch-up, creating unnecessary risks. Good route design means safer, more efficient group riding.

Why Professional Leadership Makes the Difference

Great group rides don’t just happen. They’re taught, practiced, and led with skill.

A professionally led guided ride or bike bus means:

  • Predictable movement, reducing conflict with other road users.

  • Participants learn the right habits from the start.

  • Safe spacing and positioning—no wheel overlaps, no door zone traps.

  • Clear, effective signalling—used when it’s safe, not as a default.

  • Minimal road rage—because a well-run ride looks like it belongs on the road.

At Pedal Set Go, we take pride in making every ride a safe, positive experience—for our riders and for all road users.

Interested in a professionally led guided ride or bike bus? Let’s chat.

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Urban Cycling: Join Pedal Set Go’s Confident City Rider Course in Sydney

Welcome to Pedal Set Go, where we turn the challenges of urban biking into life changing opportunities. Our Confident City Rider Course is uniquely designed for those looking to enhance their skills and safety while riding in the city. It’s more than just bike wisdom—it’s about becoming a vital part of the thriving Sydney bike community. Connecting people to places is what we do well.

See and Be Seen

In city biking, visibility is crucial. Our course teaches the importance of being visible to other road users through high visibility behaviour and strategic positioning. This ensures that you are not only seeing but also being seen, a fundamental aspect of safe urban cycling. We will also cover the use of lights and reflective clothing.

Ride Predictably & Communicate Effectively with Other Road Users

At Pedal Set Go, we emphasise the importance of predictable riding. This involves using hand signals consistently, making eye contact with other drivers and riders, and understanding the flow of city traffic. Riding predictably reduces confusion and enhances safety, making our training an essential choice for anyone searching for a Cycling in the City Course Sydney. Other cycle training options generally focus on cycling for sport rather than negotiating urban streets and traffic conditions.

Effective communication is key to smooth and safe city riding. Our courses go beyond hand signals; we teach you how to convey your intentions clearly and foster positive interactions, enhancing harmony and safety on your rides. As you become part of the community, you start to realise how good it is to be out and about on the streets as you bike Sydney.

Ride with Grace

Sharing the road in the city means interacting with a diverse mix of road users. Our training encourages you to ride with grace—being considerate, yielding when necessary, and always showing patience and respect. This approach is crucial in maintaining a cooperative environment on busy city streets. And remember, if you feel good, not angry or upset, you have enhanced decision making—something that helps you manage risk and stay safe.

Confident Bike Control

The Confident City Rider Course teaches not only basic riding but also how to control your bike with precision in any urban situation. Whether reacting to sudden stops or navigating tight spaces, we equip you with the skills for quick and safe responses.

Smart Route Selection

Selecting the right route is critical and should reflect your skill and comfort levels. All of our cycling programs cover tools for helping you with planning and route selection. Sydney offers a multitude of cycling paths, and with tools like City Mapper, you can find the ideal route quickly. There’s always a path that will make your journey smoother and safer.

Refresher Courses for Every Rider

During our Confident City Rider Course we do a quick bike control skills session. This is the fast version of our Back On Your Bike Course which is perfect for rusty riders and people that have not ridden in a while and those looking to refresh their skills at a relaxed pace. We design courses for riders of all levels, Courses ensure that every journey is safe, enjoyable, and filled with confidence.

At Pedal Set Go, you gain more than just biking skills; you become an integral part of a community that values safety, respect, and the joy of biking. Unlike other programs, Pedal Set Go provides a personalised, community-focused experience that equips you to be a truly confident city rider.

Join the Pedal Set Go Family

We don't just teach people to ride, we teach people to ride better! Are you prepared to go beyond being bike-wise? Join us at Pedal Set Go for our Confident City Rider Course and embrace your place in Sydney’s vibrant and inclusive biking community. We promise your experience cycling in the city will be taken to a whole new level. Our testimonials include “life changing” Contact us to learn more and register for your course today!

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Discovering Sydney's Bicycle Network: Your Ultimate Guide to Bike Maps and Adventures

Discovering Sydney's Bicycle Network: Your Ultimate Guide to Bike Maps and Adventures

Are you ready to explore Sydney on two wheels but not sure where to start? At Pedal Set Go, we believe that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single pedal stroke. And what better way to kick-start your adventure than with the right map in your hand (or on your device)? Whether you're a seasoned bike rider or just starting out, having access to comprehensive bike maps and networks can transform your riding experience. Today, we're diving into the best resources for Sydney's bicycle network and how you can easily plan your next ride.

Local Council Maps: A Hidden Gem

Did you know that most local councils in Sydney offer detailed maps of their areas, showcasing bike paths and routes? These gems are often available for free, either sent directly to you or as a download from their websites. They're a fantastic starting point for exploring new neighbourhoods and finding safe, bike-friendly roads. Some websites are easier to navigate than others, so we have provided links to some of them below.

Inner West Council Maps including The Bay Run & Tom Uren Trail.

Transport for NSW Cycleway Finder

North Sydney Bike Map

Randwick City Council Bike Routes and Maps

City of Ryde Bike Map

City of Parramatta Cycling Map

The Must-Visit Bike Blogs and Tools

For those who love a good read accompanied by insightful bike trail explorations, Biketrail.blog by Gary, a renowned blogger and city explorer, is a treasure trove of information. Gary's adventures and detailed guides provide a unique perspective on Sydney's biking landscape, making it one of our favourite blogs.

Planning your route is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ride. That's where tools like the Cycleway Finder map by Service NSW come in handy. It's an invaluable resource for finding dedicated cycleways and shared paths. At Pedal Set Go, we also rely on apps like Citymapper and Ride with GPS to meticulously plan our routes, ensuring a safe and efficient journey for all bike riders. But you don’t just require bike maps, with a little practice and a keen eye for what’s in between the major arterial roads for heavy vehicles, you will learn to discover a network of roads, laneways, and green spaces—a network of quiet ways that are better by bike.

University Cycle Maps and Parking

Universities often go the extra mile to accommodate people walking and bike riders, offering detailed cycle maps of their campuses and surrounding areas, along with bike parking facilities. These maps can be a great resource for navigating through or around university precincts, highlighting less congested routes and safe bike parking spots. They will often map out water bubblers and toilets which, when well placed, will certainly improve your ride.

Sydney Cycling Map: A Gold Standard

When talking about bike maps, the Sydney Cycling Map by the City of Sydney deserves a special mention. Renowned for its comprehensive coverage and user-friendly design, it's arguably one of the best resources for “cyclists” in the city. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or just out for a leisurely ride, this map will guide you through Sydney's vast network of bike paths and lanes.

Beyond the Map: Embrace Micro-Adventures

Exploring Sydney on a bike isn't just about following mapped routes. It's about discovering new places and experiences. Don't hesitate to think outside the box and embark on a micro-adventure. There are plenty of bike friendly streets without the provision of bike specific infrastructure. While you can't take your bike on buses, Sydney's ferries, trains, and light rail also expand your network, allowing you to explore further than ever before. Remember, you don't have to ride every metre to enjoy the essence of what it is being a bike rider.

Join the Pedal Set Go Community

At Pedal Set Go, we're more than just a bike education and consulting service. We're a community of passionate bike riders dedicated to connecting people with places and breaking down the barriers to “cycling”. Whether you're looking for advice, training, or just a group of like-minded individuals to ride with, we're here to support you on your journey. Check out our social media for a guided ride near you.

Sydney's bicycle network is vast and varied, offering something for everybody. By leveraging the resources and tools mentioned above, you can safely and confidently navigate your way around the city. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your route, grab your helmet, and join us in celebrating the joy of bike riding.

Remember, every ride is an adventure waiting to happen. Let's make the most of it together!

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Discover Sydney's Hidden Bike-Friendly Streets with Pedal Set Go

Discover Sydney's hidden bike-friendly streets beyond official bike paths with Pedal Set Go. Explore green spaces, laneways, and quiet routes for a unique cycling experience. Join our guided rides to see the city from a fresh perspective.

Sydney is a city celebrated for its stunning harbour, lush parks, vibrant neighbourhoods,……… and not so much for it’s traffic and congestion. But Sydney also offers an unparalleled experience for bike riders of all ages and abilities. While many turn to the official City of Sydney Bike Map in search of safe and scenic routes, there's a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered off the beaten cycle path. Pedal Set Go invites you to look outside the box—or rather, the usual bike path—to explore Sydney’s green spaces, laneways, and quiet residential streets, offering a fresh perspective far different from what drivers or bus riders might see.

The Charm of Sydney's Bike Paths and Cycleways

Sydney's official bike paths and cycleways are gateways to some of the city's most progressive and sustainable communities, providing a secure environment for riders, especially beginners and families. From riding around Centennial Park, Bourke Street, Wilson Street or College Street cycleways, these well-trodden routes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a great experience riding a bike in Sydney.

Beyond the Map: The Pedal Set Go Experience

At Pedal Set Go, we believe the real magic happens on the streets less travelled. Our guided rides and courses are designed to reveal the city's hidden network of bike-friendly streets that you won’t find highlighted on the standard Sydney Bike Paths Map. We take you through tranquil green spaces, down charming laneways, and along quiet ways that weave between the city's major arteries. It's a unique opportunity to see Sydney through a new lens, one that transforms the urban environment into a bicycle playground.

Guided Rides: A Different Perspective

Joining one of our guided rides or courses offers more than just a chance to discover these hidden paths; it's an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. Imagine cruising through quiet, leafy streets, discovering shortcuts and green corridors that you never knew existed, all while learning how to navigate the city safely and confidently on two wheels. Our experienced guides are not just instructors but passionate advocates for exploring Sydney’s lesser-known locales, making each ride a micro adventure in its own right. And we want to show you how to create these bike-friendly routes for yourselves.

Empowering Exploration

Our mission is to empower riders with the knowledge and skills to safely explore Sydney's streets, whether they're paved with cycleways or not. By participating in our courses, you'll learn how to identify bike-friendly routes, understand traffic patterns, and make informed decisions about the best ways to get around. It's about building confidence and community and encouraging riders to share their discoveries and experiences with others.

Your Invitation to Explore

We invite you to break free from the confines of the conventional bike map and join us on a journey of discovery. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for new challenges or a beginner eager to learn the ropes, Pedal Set Go has something for everyone. Explore Sydney's hidden bike-friendly streets with us and experience the city like never before.

Ready to Ride?

If you're intrigued by the idea of discovering Sydney's bike-friendly streets beyond the cycleways, Pedal Set Go is here to guide you. Visit our social media pages to learn more about our group guided rides and courses, and book your spot today. Together, let's pedal beyond the map and uncover the true beauty of cycling in the city—beautiful bike-friendly Sydney.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSW Bicycle Road Rules and Riding in Sydney

Explore our comprehensive FAQs section for all your enquiries about cycling and bike-related information in New South Wales (NSW). Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking to ride safely and confidently in Sydney, our FAQs cover a wide range of topics. From essential NSW bicycle road rules to designated bike lanes and shared paths in Sydney, we've got you covered. Discover regulations for e-bikes, find cycling communities, safety tips, and ways to promote eco-friendly transportation. Stay informed about cycling news and events in Sydney, and access valuable resources to enhance your cycling experience. Pedal Set Go is your ultimate destination for everything related to cycling in NSW!

What are the basic road rules for riding a bicycle in NSW?

To ride a bicycle in NSW, you must follow the same road rules as drivers of motor vehicles. Some specific rules apply to cyclists, such as wearing a helmet, using hand signals, and obeying traffic lights. One of our favourites is being able to perform hook turns, a bike-specific road rule in NSW that often makes getting around by bike far quicker than driving. Pedal Set Go demonstrates how to do this manoeuvre and gives riders the opportunity to perform a hook turn during our on-road courses.

Where can I find a comprehensive guide to NSW bicycle road rules?

You can find detailed information on NSW bicycle road rules on the Transport for NSW Government website. For tips and guidelines on safe riding, visit the 'Safe Riding' section to ensure an informed, secure, and enjoyable riding experience.

Do I need to wear a helmet when cycling in NSW?

Yes, it is mandatory for all bike riders, regardless of age, to wear an approved helmet when riding on public roads or shared paths. Fines apply for non-compliance. The Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024 with additional information, including product recalls to be found at Product Safety Australia.

What are the designated bike lanes and shared paths in Sydney?

Sydney offers an extensive network of bike friendly streets, bike lanes and shared paths. You can explore interactive maps and information about cycling routes in Sydney on the City of Sydney website. If riding in Greater Sydney we recommend you use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner or Cycleway Finder to plan your trip. Check out your local council website's cycling section, as many have hard copies or PDF copies of maps you can download to help plan your journey. And if you want to use the best app for cycling in the city, many of the Pedal Set Go team use City Mapper.

The good news is that it can also be very easy and safe to get around where there is no bike-specific infrastructure if you follow a few basic principles. Pedal Set Go provides instruction and training on safe riding principles as well as guided rides to help you choose bike-friendly routes.

Can I ride an e-bike in NSW, and are there any specific regulations for e-bikes?

Yes, pedal assisted e-bikes are allowed in NSW. There are rules regarding maximum power output, speed limits, and age restrictions. For complete information on e-bike regulations, visit the Transport for NSW E-bike information page.

For your safety, Pedal Set Go highly recommends purchasing e-bikes exclusively from reputable manufacturers and suppliers. Stay informed about potential fire hazards related to Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), including e-bikes which often feature lithium-ion batteries and associated risks, by regularly checking updates from Fire and Rescue NSW.

Are there any safety tips for cycling in Sydney?

Safety is important when cycling in the city. We advocate for high visibility behaviour, such as taking the lane, ensuring you can see and be seen, always being predictable, communicate with other road and path users and be gracious while remaining vigilant around traffic. You may choose to wear bright and reflective clothing, and it is compulsry to use lights when riding at night, . Consider taking a cycling safety course with Pedal Set Go for added confidence and knowledge.

Where can I find cycling groups or communities in Sydney?

Sydney has a vibrant bike riding community. You can connect with fellow cyclists and find group rides or events on platforms like Meetup, Strava, or local cycling clubs' websites. Pedal Set Go has a soft spot for inclusive groups that connect people to places, and those that often go slow and soak in the environment. Here are a few community riding and advocacy groups that share our values. Please let us know some of your favourites.

Sydney Night Rides

Bikeast

Omafiets

How can I promote safe cycling and eco-friendly transportation in Sydney?

You can promote safe cycling by following the rules, advocating for cycling infrastructure improvements, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable transportation. Stay updated with local cycling advocacy groups and participate in community efforts. Consider becoming a member of Bicycle NSW with the added benefit of comprehensive personal accident and public liability rider insurance.

Where can I get bike maintenance and repair services in Sydney?

Numerous bike shops and repair services are available throughout Sydney. We recommend you support local businesses, and we explain why in our blog. You can use online directories or search engines to find the nearest bike shop for your maintenance needs. Pedal Set Go also offers maintenance courses as well as occasional free pop-up bike tune-ups at events on behalf of local government departments throughout the Greater Sydney area.

How can I stay updated on the latest cycling news and events in Sydney?

Pedal Set Go offers a dedicated section on its website for cycling news, events, and updates in Sydney. Check back frequently for the latest information to stay connected with the bike rider and cycling community via our social media channels.

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Riding Sydneysider #2: Liane

Meet Liane who is soon to join Pedal Set Go in helping us to deliver workplace cycling courses thanks to the City of Sydney. In this interview Liane ‘s joy of riding bikes shines through and her experience demonstrates the benefits of cycling. Liane utilises her bikes for both transport, recreation and at times, for sport.

Where do you live? What’s your usual commute?

I live near Gladesville so my usual commute is into the city, riding the bridges. I start with the cycleway under Tarban then over Gladesville Bridge and Iron Cove, either under Victoria Road and around The Bay Run, through the parks of the Inner West, or ANZAC Bridge to Darling Drive. I work at various locations in cycle education so really get to see the best of the city through linking green spaces and water views. I’ve also worked in Parramatta following a lovely cycleway besides the river.

Can you tell us about how you first got into bikes while growing up in the UK?

I started cycling in my teens when my older brother bought me a second hand bike and taught me to ride. To me cycling has always been about freedom, freedom to explore, have adventures, go where and when I wanted, without compromise. At that age my dog also came everywhere with me, a trusty mutt that ran alongside and shared in the adventures. Our family didn’t have a car growing up and the only option was walk or take public transport which was poor at best , so it was definitely better to get about by bike.

When I became a mum, life skills like swimming and cycling were very important to me. My boys became familiar with the bicycle much earlier than I did, progressing from child seats attached to bikes to tag alongs and then a tandem. We had many family adventures both in the UK and on holidays abroad. On weekends we often headed out across fields on our mountain bikes to a village pub in a neighbouring county, or took part in local group rides..

How do you find riding a bike in Sydney and any advice for people nervous about riding in urban environments?

I hadn’t lived and commuted in a city before moving to Sydney. The only city riding I had undertaken before living here was on holidays, exploring European city sights by bike, or enjoying group events such as London, “Pedal to Paris”. Given the opportunity to come and live in Sydney I really wanted to get to know the city and find my way around easily so I decided not to purchase a car but rather a bike. I spent a good six months just exploring and enjoying getting lost!

I followed other riders via local BUG ‘s (bicycle user groups) and the best decision I made was to sign up for the Cycling in The City Confidence course provided thanks to the City of Sydney council. Although I was already a cycle instructor in the UK I wanted to experience how the laws may differ here, and it is always helpful to get local professional advice.

You are quite the micro adventurer, exploring Sydney by bike. Tell us about your favourite route and the destination?

I think my favourite route is always a new route, I love exploring and although I now know the city much better I still often take a slightly different route home just to compare. I can’t quite get out of the round trip habit of leading group rides for British Cycling. Recently I’ve been exploring further with my e-bike but also multimode, catching the train to Newcastle for a rail trail or down to the Royal National Park & riding to Wollongong.

I have a pooch who’s in training to be a bike box, trail dog….. so adventures to local doggy parks & beaches on the horizon for my free days, so far we’re just checking out the best dog friendly cafes.

You spend much of your recreational and working time on a bike. Do you need padded shorts and all that lycra?

I use the bike & kit appropriate for the type of riding activity i am undertaking. I’ve taken part in mountain bike tours across Croatia in a bikini, shorts & trainers so it is easy to stop off for a swim! On a longer one day sportive on a road bike such as the 110k Cape Argus in South Africa I wore Lycra with pads & clipped in shoes, easier for comfort & long climbs. I love the Sydney climate and for comfort with commuting and work I mostly ride in shorts, vest tops & converse, layering up to jeans, jumper & waterproof or windproof jacket plus walking boots in winter. I think so long as your comfortable & nothing is catching on the bike it’s all good. I love the elegance of some women in the city in skirts & heels but still tend to go more for the mountain bike style of bicycle as preference, plus I’m a bit scruffy.

What are you currently riding and why?


I love my e-bike which I purchased shortly after my arrival in Sydney. The e-bike has made my life so much easier. Buying it was a conscious decision as I didn’t want a ‘second’ car in our family. I wanted to get to know this new city we had moved to and be able to explore further afield. I want to be part of the solution to a more liveable city and not a part of the problem. Traffic, congestion, pollution, these are surely the worst side of Sydney. Setting a good example for health and wellbeing also matters to me. I’ve been able to manage my Rheumatoid Arthritis with diet and with exercise, and have had very little medical intervention, which i believe is because of the benefits of cycling.

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Riding Sydneysider #1: Marie

Marie is a Sydney sider and business woman who gets around the city by bike, often with her toddler. Marie gives us a snap shot of how it feels to ride a bicycle in Sydney. She also gives some great advice on how to negotiate the urban landscape and feel great when commuting to work or just cycling for the fun of it.

Where do you live? What’s your usual commute?


I live in Potts Point and I ride most often to the city via Woolloomooloo and through the Domain. I also ride to Surry Hills, Redfern and Newtown quite a lot, using the beautiful Bourke St cycleway. I rarely ride to the Eastern Suburbs because of the hills but I’m planning on purchasing an electric bike soon to make this happen.


You’re a born and bred Parisian. Can you tell us about how you first got into bikes and how you find riding a bike in Sydney?


I started cycling as a kid to go visit my friends who lived nearby. I was just too lazy to walk! Then I really got into cycling in my teenage years. Believe it or not - two girlfriends and I used our bikes to go to clubs at night because we were too scared to use public transportation in the middle of the night in Paris. The rest is history. Cycling is such a huge part of my life today. I use it to go shopping, to go visit friends who live on the other side of the city, to go to meetings to take my son to daycare (he absolutely loves it!). I truly believe Sydney has a lot to offer for cyclists: it is naturally beautiful, the weather is pleasant all year long, it does have a good existing cycling network. The key is finding the right path to where you want to go, one that feels safe, quick and connected. Your best ally is the City of Sydney cycling map which you can order for free here.


Sydney has changed quite a bit since you’ve arrived (6 years ago). Are you pleased with the progress made?


Yes, definitely, but we still have a long way to go. There are some beautiful cycleways that are now part of the network: Bourke St and George St cycleways just to name a couple. We have had some setback (don’t even mention College St cycleway being ripped off a couple of years ago) but we are moving in the right direction.


Any advice for people nervous about visiting bike shops?


I have visited most bikes shops in Sydney and have met some of the loveliest people I know there. Going to a bike shop can seem a bit daunting for some people who are not riders and don’t know the technical language. But mechanics are precisely there to inform you and help you. In Paris, your local bike shop is just like your local butcher or bakery – you know the people working there and you create that special relationship with them that just makes you feel connected to your community. It would be a shame not to have this in your life!


How do you find riding with a child?


After having spent over a year stuck at home with a young child, being able to go back on a bike with him felt like some sort of liberation. It enabled us to get to places much quicker and connect with our friends more easily. My son is completely addicted to being on the bike. He sings, talks, shouts to people – it’s like he’s completely alive when he can feel the wind in his hair!


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