Sydney Rides a two-wheeled triumph

Sydney will celebrate bike riding in all its forms this spring – from the daily commute to the long-distance weekend road ride and the two-wheeled family outing.

The City of Sydney’s third annual Sydney Rides Festival - 13 to 27 October - includes more than 25 events showcasing Sydneysiders’ growing love of bikes.

Recent independent counts show the number of bike trips being made in the centre of Sydney has grown by more than 110 per cent since March 2010 and a recent Australian Bicycle Council report found some 31,600 City of Sydney residents get on a bike in a typical week.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore invited bike riders from across Sydney to join the celebrations.

“Sydney Rides is a festival for anyone who enjoys riding a bike or wants to get started. Whether a regular rider or a beginner, there is something to help you enjoy bike riding in our beautiful city,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Riding a bike is a transport option that reduces congestion and keeps you fit. In Sydney, around half of weekly bike riders cycle for transport –one of the highest rates of all the capital cities across the country.

“We know those numbers will keep climbing if people have safe and convenient options to support them – so we continue to work hard to connect sections of the network.

“With around 32,000 Sydneysiders now cycling each week, the City of Sydney is getting on with the job of making sure there are enough separated cycleways and shared paths to meet demand.”

City staff can be found many mornings and afternoons on shared paths to help educate bike riders and pedestrians on how to co-exist and ride with safely and considerately.

Sydneysiders are invited to get on their bikes for  the inaugural Sydney Rides launch event at Sydney Park on 13 October, have breakfast with their fellow commuters on Ride2Work Day, ride the Harbour Bridge for Spring Cycle or brush up on their cycling skills at one of the City’s free bike courses.

Sydney Rides Festival highlights:

Sydney Rides the Park – 13 October
The festival will kick-off with the inaugural Sydney Rides the Park mini-festival on Sunday 13 October at Sydney Park Cycling Centre in St Peters. The event for all ages will have activities and entertainment including live music, stalls, food trucks, Try2Wheels, skills and bike maintenance workshops.

Ride2Work Day – 16 October
Thousands of Sydneysiders already choose two wheels for their daily commute, helping to cut traffic congestion and pollution during the busiest times on the road. We’re celebrating with three pop-up events for bike riders at Union Square in Pyrmont, Taylor Square and Prince Alfred Park on the day. Bring a buddy for a free breakfast while your bike is tuned by our mechanics, and pick up a Sydney Cycleways map and route planning advice from our experts.

Sydney Rides Film Festival – 17 and 18 October
A series of inspiring short films from around the globe showing at Dendy Opera Quays.

Global Rhythms – 19 October
Global Rhythms presented by Eastside Radio in Prince Alfred Park will feature a number of bands and artists from around the globe as well as our own Try2Wheels display. Come along and try a bike, get expert advice and free tune up, and enjoy free bike valet parking.

Spring Cycle – 20 October
The NSW Cycling’s Spring Cycle is Sydney’s largest recreational cycling event. The 15km City Ride segment takes in stunning Sydney attractions, including the Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens, historic Macquarie Street and The Rocks before finishing in festival style at the Pirrama Park Family Fun Bike Day in Pyrmont. A perfect day out for the whole family with live music, stalls, interactive arts and craft tents, a jumping castle, triple bungee run, and free bike mechanics.

More steely riders can take on the 50km Spring Cycle Classic Ride or 100km Club Ride, both finishing in Sydney Olympic Park.


See sydneyridesfestival.net for event details. For more riding tips and information on Sydney’s bike network, visit sydneycycleways.net or like us on Facebook