Bike only path in Sydney

[ca6leguy]

Congratulations on taking the first step! You'll quickly find it fun, enjoyable and quite addictive.

Thanks for tips J.R.

 

[scotty72]

I'm new to cycling and I'm getting myself a mountain bike. I'm not confident enough to cycle on the road yet as there are far to many crazy drivers in Sydney. I know about the Sydney Olympic Park and the Centenial Park but I'm also looking for some in the Hills area near where I live. Is there a good map that shows all the available bike only path in Sydney?

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

 

[ca6leguy]

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.

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?

 

[sogood]

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

 

[scotty72]

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?

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

 

[sogood]

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.

 

[scotty72]

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.

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

Scotty

 

[Scott2468]

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!