Bike only path in Sydney - Page 2

So many bike paths in Canberra, I am spoilt for choice!

Anyway ... have you considered going along to some of the weekend group rides? Bikenorth has many organized rides on the weekend, and its a good introduction to riding in a group, getting to know popular riding routes (as they are generally relatively safe), and building up confidence riding on the roads.

M7 is very safe, but its pretty boring. Having said that I knew someone who went and did 50 laps of parramatta park.

I found the official off-road cycling routes for the Hills area.

http://www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au/...s/offroad.aspx

there is a bike only path around Wolli Creek area, near the park just opposite the train station. unfortunately, it just a short bike only path for about 5KM, when it connect to the Botany Bay, you have to either choose to cycle on the share path with pedestrians or on the road.

The Cooks river bike path takes you all the way to Captain Cook bridge and then you can ride a reasonably good route all the way to Kernell.

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Training Log

Congratulations on taking the first step! You'll quickly find it fun, enjoyable and quite addictive. It's a great low-impact way to get fit. For starting out you're wise to ride off road until you get used to gear selection, braking and turning, and judging braking and closing distances.

Once you've got these basic skills automated after a month or two and you're riding a bit faster, you'll probably find like I did that it's actually a lot less nerve-wracking riding on the road, even when there is traffic.

The trick is reasonably simple. If you're licenced and used to driving in traffic, just ride your bike the same way: occupy the lane, ride defensively of course, but be assertive and above all predictable.

The little issue I have with bike paths is the pedestrians who co-use them seem to have bovine spongiform encephalitis. They wander unpredictably like Brown's Cows and your arrival is uniformly greeted with surprise.

You'll be perfectly fine using these paths to ride on while you establish your skills, so long as you use your judgement around other users and assume that they're likely to do the thing you least expect.

Oh, one last thing: enjoy yourself.

That's an order!

Thanks for tips J.R.

Assuming you eventually gain more confidence you should go on a few Bicycle User Group (BUG) rides. These are always (with no exceptions of which I'm aware) FREE.

Depending on where you are in Sydney, there are BUGS everywhere. However, by far the biggest (with most rides) of them is Bike North. These rides generally start and finish in the northern suburbs (Eastwood, Meadowbank, Hornsby, St. Leonards etc.) and will range from very easy to very hard.

A good start is the Olympic Park Ride
http://bikenorth.org.au/cycling/rides/rides.php?ride=2

This is mostly on off road paths but throws in a few back streets to ease you into the idea of riding on the roads.

Other easy rides that are coming up in the next month or so (that don't invlove too much on road riding - or only quiet back roads) include

Exploring Eastwood
http://bikenorth.org.au/cycling/rides/rides.php?ride=5

Concord for Cake
http://bikenorth.org.au/cycling/rides/rides.php?ride=19

Parramatta Park Parade
http://bikenorth.org.au/cycling/rides/rides.php?ride=24

Hope this helps
SCotty

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www.bikenorth.org.au

2006 Scott Speedstar S10

Thanks again for the info. You mentioned that they are FREE? Do you need to be a member of BUG, ie BikeNorth, before you can go on the 'FREE' rides?

Some groups request a small donation from non-members joining their rides. I don't know how well that's enforced though.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

No.

Some ride leaders may stick a pamphlet under your face but, there is no pressure to join. In fact, about 50% of the regulars aren't members.

It's up to you.

Can't speak for other bugs but I've yet to strike one that even hinted that they wanted a 'donation'.

Scotty

PS. Just a thought. Some of the 'donations' may be for those occasional weekend away rides where people put in for drinks, snacks etc. But, a normal morning ride around the 'burbs - no way

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www.bikenorth.org.au

2006 Scott Speedstar S10

Without naming a specific BUG, the suggestion for donation is for all rides.

No big deal as they do work within the community to improve the facilities we all depend on.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

I stand corrected - I haven't come across that one obviously

Scotty

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www.bikenorth.org.au

2006 Scott Speedstar S10

Another good cycleway is the Prospect-Fairfield-Canley Vale-Guilford-Prospect loop.
It is a 35km off road cycleway, well marked and varied scenery.

If you need to drive there, I suggest you go to the Prospect reservoir picnic area parking area.

An added bonus is you can cycle between this loop and the M7. There are a few option to hop across. Don't ask, just explore!