Bicycle NSW is a Member-funded organisation. The individuals and groups at the heart of the Bicycle NSW community are how we are able to do our work. They are also why we do our work. It is for them that we continue to campaign for a better cycling environment across NSW.
Drew Weiss has been commuting and cycling recreationally for over fifteen years.
After a cycling accident that resulted in a dislocated shoulder, Drew was very grateful for the insurance provided by Bicycle NSW Membership.
Here, Drew tells us about his discovery of cycling, from developing an interest in fixing bikes to taking cycling holidays, and now riding around Sydney.
Drew riding on his home streets of Winnipeg, Canada, in 2011 (Image: Drew Weiss)
Where did your cycling journey begin?
"I first became involved in cycling as a form of transport in Canada, as I lived in an area that didn’t have great public transport to university. As someone who likes to tinker, I also enjoyed using my mechanical knowledge to modify and upgrade my bike. Later, I used my bike to commute to work, and eventually to explore whilst on holiday.
From Canada we occasionally travelled to the United States to visit some bike friendly cities and regions. Minnesota is particularly great. We’ve also engaged in bike tourism in Australia, having cycled through many wine regions."
Amongst the grapevines - Drew and his partner during a trip to NZ in 2018 (Image: Drew Weiss)
"When we moved to Sydney, we only used bikes, public transport, and car shares to get around. We relied heavily on our bikes, and did most daily tasks with our bikes, mainly shopping and commuting. We used our first year as an opportunity to try and live car-free and see whether it was doable. Spoiler alert, it's really hard to do so in Sydney!
Even though we ended up buying a car, we still enjoy biking. After trying a cargo bike in Amsterdam once, we now have a cargo bike, via a Lug + Carrie subscription, to share our passion for cycling with our daughter. It has also allowed us to avoid buying a second car."
After trialling an e-cargo bike in Amsterdam in 2024, Drew and his family now use one for journeys around Sydney (Images: Drew Weiss)
What led you becoming a Member of Bicycle NSW?
"I came across Bicycle NSW when we moved to Australia, mainly due to the insurance cover provided by Membership. The advocacy element was also important to me.
I came to appreciate the insurance when I came off my bike on the way to work one day, and dislocated my shoulder. Despite relocating it myself, I still did require some imaging and physio.
The experience with the insurance side was seamless, and definitely reduced the financial burden of the care."
Become a Member and be insured whilst cycling
Bicycle NSW's Personal Accident and Public Liability cover is a cost effective way to:
- Give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind while you are out riding
- Protect yourself and your loved ones
- Provide protection from financial risk when something goes wrong
Become a member today and be instantly covered by the best insurance available to recreational riders in NSW.
Membership starts from $121 per year (less than $2.50 a week).
Want to hear another Member story?
Yvonne Everett is actively involved in Coffs Hikers, an outdoor adventure club with a busy and varied program of outdoor activities. Coff Hikers recently affiliated as a Bicycle NSW Bicycle User Group and Yvonne decided to join Bicycle NSW to benefit from the cycling insurance that membership provides.
