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

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.

The Importance of Local Bike Shops in Your Bike Journey

Blending Safety Education with Local Support for a Better Riding Experience

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey towards a healthier and more eco-conscious lifestyle through bike riding is a significant decision. This article explores the often overlooked advantages of purchasing through local bike shops, complemented by the expertise and educational services offered by Pedal Set Go. This collaboration emphasises the importance of community support, blending riders education and local involvement for a well-rounded and safe riding experience.

Guidance in Choosing the Right Bike (E-Bike or acoustic?)

Local bike shops, sometimes in collaboration with Pedal Set Go, serve as community hubs, offering guidance to empower riders with informed choices and ensuring a safe and well-informed purchase. This collaboration is particularly valuable for individuals looking to learn to ride safely and confidently, taking up bike riding for transportation rather than just sport.

Accessible Service and Support:

All bikes require periodic maintenance and occasional repairs. E-Bikes will also require routine software updates that can only be performed by an authorised dealer. Opting for a local bike shop ensures a reliable point of contact for professional service and support, promoting a safe riding experience. Pedal Set Go's focus on education aids riders in understanding preventative maintenance, enhancing safety on the road and helps them know when it is important to attend their local bike shop.

Establishing a Maintenance Routine:

Protecting your investment in a bike involves adhering to a regular maintenance schedule. Local bike shops simplify this process, offering suggested schedules based on individual riding habits. Professional tune-ups and assessments during these sessions preemptively identify and address potential issues, ensuring a safe and well-maintained bike.

Educational Support with Pedal Set Go:

Pedal Set Go specialises in providing education and advice on preventative maintenance, contributing to a well-rounded support system for riders. Their courses empower riders with skills for sustainable biking and understanding proper bike care practices, promoting safety on the road.

Supporting Local Businesses:

The collaboration between local bike shops and Pedal Set Go not only enhances safety but also supports local economies. Choosing to buy from these collaborative ventures contributes to the sustainability of the local economy, ensuring community resilience, and fostering a secure biking environment.

Inclusive and Women-Friendly Spaces:

In the quest for a safer and more inclusive riders community, many local bike shops are now striving to create welcoming and women-friendly spaces. These shops prioritise treating everybody as equals, providing a comfortable environment for all riders. If one shop falls short in inclusivity, riders can easily find another local shop nearby that aligns with their values, fostering a diverse and respectful biking environment.

Challenges of Online Purchases:

Pedal Set Go often encounters individuals at events who have purchased bikes online, facing difficulties with warranties, service, and sourcing parts. This highlights the potential safety challenges of online purchases, emphasising the importance of local support for a secure and reliable biking experience.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the collaboration between local bike shops and Pedal Set Go provides a unique blend of expertise and education, fostering a safer and more resilient biking community. Supporting these ventures not only enhances your biking experience but also contributes to the well-being and safety of your local community. Choose local, ride safely, and engage in educational sessions with partners like Pedal Set Go for a truly enriching and connected bike riding experience.

Teaching a child to ride a bike

Teaching a child to ride a bike can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here's a step-by-step, Ummm…Pedal… guide to help you teach a child to ride a bike: At Pedal Set Go we do NOT recommend training wheels, with the exception being for some people with disability. The same techniques can be used when teaching an adult to learn to ride a bicycle.

Choosing the Perfect Bike: Setting the Foundation for Riding Success

Ensure that the child has a bike that they can sit on comfortably with their feet flat when touching the ground. At this stage, a bike is better slightly too small rather than too large. The learner will not feel safe nor confident if they are on their tip-toes. Pedal Set Go do not encourage people to purchase a bike their child will “grow into.”

Ensure your child has the right bike for a comfortable and confident start.

Selecting a Safe Riding Location in Sydney: Where to Begin

Discover the ideal spots in Sydney for teaching bike riding, prioritising safety and space. Look for a spacious and flat area with a smooth surface, such as netball or basketball courts, a quiet street, or an empty car park. Avoid busy roads or areas with heavy traffic.

Prepping the Bike: Removing Pedals and Adjusting the Seat for Optimal Learning

Step-by-step guide on pedal removal and saddle adjustment to facilitate the initial learning phase.

Start by removing the pedals from the bike. A number 15 spanner will suffice if you do not have a pedal wrench. The left and right pedals are threaded in opposite directions. The right pedal is threaded normally – turn counterclockwise to loosen. The left pedal is threaded in reverse – turn clockwise to loosen. Lower the saddle so that the child can easily place their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the seat. Lower is best, and ideally, the child can spread their legs and feet apart like a tripod. (If there are no markings on the pedals, you may want to label them left and right.)

Building Balance and Confidence: The Gliding and Balancing Technique

Learning to glide and balance: Begin by helping the child learn to balance on the bike without pedals. If the bike has a hand brake lever or levers, encourage them to use the brakes while getting on and off the bike. Show them how to use the brake rather than their feet to slow or stop the bike. Have them mount the bike and walk while sitting on the seat, using their feet to stabilise themselves. Remind them to remain seated. Encourage them to keep their eyes focused straight ahead and their arms relaxed. When moving in a straight line or steering, the bike will follow their gaze.

Learn how to guide your child through gliding and balancing exercises to foster confidence.

Mastering the Art of Gliding: Scooting to Develop Balance and Momentum

Once the child is comfortable walking, encourage them to push off the ground with their feet and start scooting. They should lift their feet off the ground and try to glide for short distances. Practise this scooting and gliding technique to help them build momentum and develop a sense of balance. Remember, just like a rolling coin, the bike needs some momentum to stay upright.

Explore techniques for scooting and gliding, essential for building momentum and balance.

From here, it should be fun, and apart from reminding the child to look where they want to go, there is not much more for the adult to do. The child will learn through play and experience. Every wobble and false start is a lesson in the right direction. Little and often also avoids the risk of a sore bum.

Pedals Back On: Transitioning to Pedalling with Confidence

Reinstall the pedals once your child has gained confidence in gliding and balancing. Once the child can demonstrate consistent balance through gliding and steering, reattach the pedals to the bike. Make sure they are properly threaded.

A comprehensive guide to instructing your child to pedal and maintain momentum.

Pedal Set...Go!: Teaching the Basics of Pedalling

First, remind the child about the importance of brakes and ask them to demonstrate how they will stop the bike with the brake levers or back pedal brake. Instruct the child to set the pedal to 2 o’clock with one foot on the pedals, and after a big push, lift their other foot onto the other pedal. Continue pedalling to maintain momentum. Encourage them to keep pedalling so they can maintain momentum and their balance. You may wish to support them briefly, but allow the child to practice pedalling independently as much as possible.

Practice Makes Perfect: Building Skills and Confidence Through Repetition

Encourage regular practice, gradually raising the seat as your child gains control. Introduce more challenging terrain as their confidence and skills improve.

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating Achievements and Nurturing Confidence

Praise the child for their efforts and progress. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and motivation and ensure the activity remains fun.

Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and supportive throughout the process. With time and practice, most children—in fact, people of all ages—can learn to ride a bike independently.

Embracing E-Bikes in Sydney: A Guide to Sustainable, Efficient Travel

IS AN E-BIKE CHEATING?

Are you considering an e-bike for your travels in Sydney? As e-bikes gain popularity, many are discovering their benefits, but how do you know if an e-bike is the right choice for you?

The Benefits of E-Bikes for Confidence and Fitness

E-bikes offer a unique advantage: a bit of battery assistance that can boost your confidence, particularly if you're worried about your physical ability or fitness level. Many seasoned riders find that e-bikes allow them to travel further and carry heavier loads more easily. Hills and headwinds, common challenges in Sydney, become manageable with an e-bike, making them ideal for arriving at meetings or destinations without the sweat and strain.

Ideal for Multiple Trips and Mobility Concerns

E-bikes are not just for the fitness-savvy. They're a fantastic option for multiple trips, carrying loads, or for those learning to ride, and those who might lack strength or have mobility issues. One e-bike user shares, "I love my e-bike as it allows me to keep pace with my partner without feeling like I'm holding them back."

Sustainability and Time Efficiency

Choosing to ride any bike is a sustainable choice and a choice where unlike a car you also spend less time stuck in traffic. Many people are replacing the family car with an electric cargo bike, perfect for carrying kids or adult passengers. Riders often feel safer on an e-bike in the city, as the battery assistance helps maintain a steady flow with traffic, reducing pressure. Whatever type of bike you ride, Pedal Set Go can also provide training on how to further relieve the pressure of sharing the road with other vehicles.

Safety and Visibility

Most quality e-bikes come with built-in lights, enhancing safety and visibility on the streets and in parks, especially at night. This feature is crucial for those who ride after dark, providing peace of mind and increased safety.

The Importance of Fire Safety and Choosing Reputable Brands

When selecting an e-bike, it's crucial to consider fire safety, especially regarding the battery. Opt for e-bikes from reputable brands known for their high safety standards to minimise the risk of battery fires. These brands invest in quality materials and rigorous testing to ensure their products are safe and reliable. Many UK bike shops will not service unknown cheap brands of electric bike due to the associated fire risks, and it is likely Australia will soon follow suit.

Cost-Effectiveness and Convenience

Operating an e-bike is significantly cheaper than running a car or motorbike, and parking becomes a breeze. With social distancing still a consideration, e-bikes offer a safe social distancing mode of transport. Regular riders will quickly notice savings compared to public transport costs.

Making the Right Choice

Remember, all bikes are an investment. Before purchasing an e-bike, take the time to go for a test ride. Your local bike shop can help you choose the right style for your transport needs, ensuring you make an informed decision. There are also subscription eBike options through businesses such as Lug and Carrie.

In conclusion, e-bikes are a versatile, efficient, and eco-friendly option for navigating Sydney. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness, carry loads, or simply enjoy a more relaxed ride, an e-bike might be the perfect solution for you. Explore the world of e-bikes and join the growing community of riders who've found a smarter way to travel.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES TO RIDE A BIKE TO WORK?

Feeling anxious about public transport? Many people will be considering the option to ride a bike as they return to the office following the COVID-19 outbreak and the lifting of isolation restrictions.

Employees who ride are generally fitter, healthier and happier, being more productive, managing stress levels and taking less sick days.

Organisations benefit from reduced costs due to increased productivity, enhanced wellbeing of staff as well as paying for less car spaces. Ten bicycles can easily fit in one car space and you can invest in racks that can comfortably fit twenty bikes in the same space.

Reduced congestion, also has an impact on the economy through easing the movement of goods and services.

Riding to work reduces carbon emissions and supporting employees is leading by example.

All this can lead to staff retention with business reaping the benefits through looking after your best assets. People are looking for employers that look after them, the environment and combat climate crisis.

Supporting employees to ride by providing them with training to ride a bike safely in traffic and how to choose the best routes to get about, is a great initiative for a healthy work culture. Providing end of trip facilities such as secure bike parking, charge points for ebikes and showers will keep them riding.

Riding Sydneysider # 4: Justine

When and where did you learn to ride a bike?

I started riding a bike when I was a young child. My parents taught me, and I spent many happy hours cycling around the local neighbourhood with all the other kids.

I didn't spend much time at all cycling as an adult until about 10 years ago. I moved back to Sydney from a stint in London. I didn't have a car, nor did I want one. I live in the inner city so I decided cycling was the best way to get around.

What does your typical bicycle attire consist of?

I always wear cycling gloves and a helmet - the latter because it is the law in Australia. I tend to wear either cycling shorts with a pocket, or a fleecy jacket with pockets in winter. The pockets are useful for carrying my phone, and my keys which I keep on a carabiner, attached to a small rucksack that is always part of my cycling gear. In winter I also tend to wear cycling tights as baggy pants can get caught in the moving parts if I am not careful.

Where to ride in Sydney? Do you prefer to ride on roads or shared paths and cycleways?

I prefer to ride on shared paths and cycleways wherever the roads are super-busy, and enjoy riding on dedicated bike paths.

If the roads are not busy, I definitely prefer riding on the road, as roads are designed for traffic and wheels in particular.

Whichever choice I make, it is important to me that I am hyper vigilant , being mindful of pedestrians as they can be unpredictable.

What advice and safety tips would you have for someone thinking about starting to use a bike for transportation?

If you are going to start cycling in Sydney as a means of transportation, I would suggest doing a rider-training course to gain confidence negotiating a bike in traffic. Learn what you can do and what you should avoid. I also recommend you do a basic maintenance course so you can look after your bike - change a tyre, etc - should the need arise during your commute.

If you cycle to a meeting don't you get sweaty and gross? What do you wear to ride a bike?

Sydney is very humid, so you can get sweaty no matter what transport mode you choose. When cycling to work or a meeting, I wear clothes that wick, or take a change of clothes, deodorant and a hairbrush. I often carry a small towel to shower and/or change my clothes when I get to the other end.

Riding Sydneysiders#3 Milo, Pierre, Finn & Joss

When did you learn to ride and what got you hooked?

I learned to ride a bike Christmas day in 1980. I was thrilled to miss out on church and instead got to stay home with Dad teaching me to ride. Riding a bike gave me freedom, I could be out all day on my bike just touring around the neighbourhood. Riding a bike still gives me that sense of being free.

I love cycling so I was keen to teach my kids as well. With my oldest son, Finn, I didn't want him falling over on a brand new bike so I took him to Centennial Park to use the hire bikes. The taxi driver who took us there advised us having the first lesson on the footpath, outside of the park because no-one ever uses it. He was right and Finn picked up bike riding very quickly, so I bought him a new bike for his birthday soon after.

Joss is 5 years younger so he spent years on a tagalong, and this really gave us the freedom to get around, as I still didn't have a drivers licence. We could spend a whole day cycling, stopping for snacks or trying out a new playground.

Now we do Spring Cycle together every year, it's a wonderful feeling riding on the road with no cars around. I learned very early on, to dress us all in bright red shirts, so I can see at a glance that no-one has been left behind.

Joss made it on to his own bike a few years ago, and now he is big enough for an adult bike. I miss those tagalong years though.

Riding Sydneysider #2: Liane

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.

Riding Sydneysider #1: Marie

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!