Sydney Cycling 101

Free cycling courses

Whether you ride regularly or are just starting out, the City of Sydney offers FREE courses from trained instructors to help you get the most out of bike riding.

Bike Maintenance for Beginners
Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance and repair in this easy course covering Cycle 101 topics such as adjusting your bike, fitting and rem

'Cycling in the City' Confidence
Learn responsible and low-risk riding techniques for navigating the streets and roads of Sydney by bike. Open to people over 18 who can already ride but want to build their traffic skills and confidence.

6 reasons to get on a bike...

1Get Healthy! Riding is an excellent way to get in shape while you travel

2Save money! Riding is a free form of transport once you are set up

3Make new friends! Riding is a great way to meet new people and discover new places

4Save time! Riding helps you avoid traffic jams and public transport queues

2Help the environment! Riding is a zero-emission transport choice

Know the rules

Under Australian law a bike is considered a vehicle and is legally required to obey road rules...

Bike riders CAN:

Pass other vehicles on the left, except when those vehicles are indicating and turning left

Travel to the front of traffic on the left side of stopped vehicles

Take up a whole traffic lane

Ride a maximum of two abreast in a lane as long as they are not more than 1.5 metres apart

Travel in a bus lane and transit lanes (but not bus only lanes)

Bike riders CANNOT:

Ride on footpaths - unless the bike rider is a) under 12; b) accompanying a rider under 12; or c) the footpath is a designated share path

Bike riders MUST:

Obey all road rules

Stop at red lights

Stop at 'Stop' signs

Safe riding checklist

Follow these tips for a safer journey...

Make yourself visible

Always wear a helmet and high visibility vest and ensure your bike is fitted with working lights

Use the lane

Sometimes the safest way to deal with car traffic is to take control of the lane to give yourself room to avoid drains, gutters and car doors. Learn these skills on a cycling course

Watch for car doors

Don't rely on drivers and passengers to see you. be alert and careful in car-door opening zones

Choose the best route

Opt for existing cycleways, quiet streets and off-road paths

Watch for pedestrians

Slow down, use your bell and be ready to stop when riding near pedestrians. Pedestrians ALWAYS have right-of-way on shared paths

Safe riding checklist

Bicycle user Groups

Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) support a bicycle-friendly culture and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Contact your local BUG for more on bike lessons, bike buddy programs, cycling events and membership.

Bicycle NSW- 029704 0800

Bike Sydney- 0403 999 899

BIKEast- 029363 9131

Bike North- 029872 2583

Ashfield- 028293 4504

Canada Bay- 028765 9719

More on cycling in Sydney?

Sydney's best bike shops

Sydney Cycling Guide

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