Home

The skies cleared and the sun shone (unexpectedly) blessing riders on the Nowra weekend with spring warmth. 

Thursday saw the early-escapers blow the city smoke from their lungs, to be replaced with the fresh air of the south coast. Today’s ride started at the popular and pink-bedecked Berry for a pretty ride through rolling countryside. Shaded treelined roads, grazing cows and sheep and distant mountains provided the backdrop as we rode through gently undulating country roads. From Gerroa Road we turned into Seven Mile Beach for some sand under the cleats, sea air and lunch. The return to Berry via Beach Road was very ideal country riding with picture perfect overhanging trees.   … Read more

Following extensive deliberation, the Bike North Executive Committee has prepared a concise, useful guide that gives direction to our efforts for the year.  It is our ‘Strategic Plan 2023’ and is available here . (please check the updated link)

These are exciting times, filled with challenges and opportunities.  As we try to provide members and others with safe and enjoyable cycling experiences and to advocate for improved cycling conditions, the Strategic Plan gives shape to the initiatives and projects we plan to undertake.

Sincere thanks to the Executive Committee for their consideration and input to this plan.

We are very keen to hear any comments or suggestions you may have. … Read more

Making the most the sunny weekend a number of Bike North members were volunteering out and about promoting cycling and Bike North’s social rides, skills courses and local advocacy.

Chatswood Mall talking about e-bikes and cycling as sustainable transport option as well as for recreation- this was part of Willoughby Council Sustainability Unit EV showcase. At Granny Smith Festival at Eastwood, talking about Bike North activities, local routes in the Ryde area and also on safe cycling in partnership with the Road Safety Team from Ryde Council. Pop-up promotion on the route of Spring Cycle – when the ride crossed the river back to the northside – with a couple of thousand people riding bikes pedalling by. … Read more

Time to brush up on your bike maintenance skills or learn something new to keep your bike in good running condition? Bike North and City of Ryde Council are hosting two Bicycle Maintenance Skills Workshops coming up soon. Please register if you wish to attend.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance

Learn the basics of bike maintenance:– replace an inner-tube on a ride after a puncture– deal with simple on-ride mechanical issues such as realigning a slipped chainKeep you bike in reasonable running order, cleaning and chain lubrication, adjusting seat height on your bike and learn how to spot mechanical problems.

Bring your own bike to practice and learn on! … Read more

On Sunday 16 October a number of our Bike North members joined in the annual Bowral Classic. The riders each chose one of the following Gran Fondo loops on offer – 150KM Maxi Classic, 120KM Challenge Classic, or the 85KM Roulers Classic. This is an event that many of our riders look forward to and participate in each year.

The routes took our riders through the beautiful Southern Highlands – rolling through the beautiful green hills of Bowral, Berrima, Sutton Forest, Robertson and Kangaloon. 

At the conclusion of the ride, they enjoyed each other’s company at Loseby Park, Bowral. Here they were able to enjoy the Event Village filled with food stalls, bars, cycling exhibitors and live music. … Read more

Do you know that membership with Bike North entitles you to a 15% discount on your membership with Bicycle NSW?  Use code bikenorth2122 when you join or renew.  Bicycle NSW members receive global, comprehensive (personal accident and public liability) rider insurance and a range of other benefits as well as advocacy and legal support.  … Read more

At last! There is now movement from North Sydney Council on the West Street Cycleway which is part of Bike North’s top priority route to complete the black hole of cycling in North Sydney. While this is a minuscule section of what is needed, it is a start, and we recommend you go to the consultation page here and register your support for this project. Your support is essential to ensure this project moves ahead.

We also recommend you support Council proceeding immediately with concepts for Stage 2 and 3 and fund / seek funding to build a bike path along West Street ASAP. … Read more

Bike North was recently informed by a cycling member of the public about a new bollard installed on an exit ramp to Pennant Hills Road from the eastbound shoulder of the M2 (see photo above).

The bollard was considered dangerous as there was no clear line of sight to the bollard for cyclists turning the corner to take the exit.

Bike North made representations to Transurban who claimed the bollard was necessary to prevent drivers from attempting to use the bike exit rather than continuing to the NorthConnex Tunnel.

With the support of Bicycle NSW, the legal criteria for the installation of bollards and a video highlighting the issue were presented to Transurban. … Read more

Hornsby Council recently put out its draft Town Centre Masterplan for commentary  by the community.

The Council’s vision is for Hornsby to be ‘a place for people that reflects the uniqueness of the bushland setting, integrated around key public spaces, where the city meets the bush. An active, thriving centre that exhibits economic diversity, design excellence, liveability and sustainability. ‘

The Masterplan and its supplementary Transport and Landscape plans offer exciting ideas about what the town centre and its immediate environment might look like. With significant change, however, comes significant challenges and the opportunity for things to go awry.

The residential population of the area in question is currently just under 500 people but with an increase in residential high rise in the CBD will quickly grow to 11 500! … Read more

Our Social Committee have their eyes set on a fun Christmas event this year. It is planned for Sunday 27 November at Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park.  Here is the location.

To add some colour and fun to the day we are suggesting that either you or your bike (or both if you are that keen!) dress up in the Christmas theme – go for it! You can make it as ridiculous or cool as you like. There may be a special prize from Santa on the day!

As well as plenty of chance to catch up with friends we will ask the assembled members to vote on the proposed changes to the Constitution. … Read more