Bicycle Trails Sydney
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail
Sydney, a city well known for its outdoorsy culture, iconic landmarks, and beautiful scenery, offers an amazing experience for cycling enthusiasts. ‘Bicycle Trails, - Sydney’ does very well and delivers in abundance. None other is more famous than The Greater Sydney Bike Trail. This expansive trail is not just a cycle path, but a trip through one of the world's most picturesque cities, providing the perfect balance of urban discovery and natural beauty.
This fantastic escapade is fast gaining traction, as many more bicycle riders take on these amazing Bicycle trails Sydney provides. The routes brilliantly depict Sydney's multicultural suburbs - and some wonderful bicycle infrastructure, parks and green corridors, coastline and cultural centres.
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail is a cyclist’s dream ride. Offering a 230km loop the trail showcases Bicycle NSW’s and NSW's commitment to promoting bicycling and active transportation. It was developed by Garry Robinson, who, inspired by a range of cycling events and Sydney's burgeoning bike culture, decided to create a detailed route that features the very best of Sydney all from the comfort of a bicycle seat.
One of the unique bicycle trails Sydney offers, starts from the historic Mrs Macquarie's Chair. The route goes through Centennial Park, up to La Perouse, around Botany Bay, along the Menai Cycleways, past Chipping Norton Lakes, and then follows the Glenfield Rail Trail, the M7 Cycleway, Old Windsor Rd, Parramatta River Cycleway, Shrimptons Creek, Lane Cove National Park and Epping Rd. The trail is created for inclusivity, providing a shorter 150km route for anyone looking for a less challenging cycle, yet still taking in all the ‘must see’ checkpoints.
The only rule?
To go around four markers:
- Centennial Park
- Woronora bridge
- Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands
- Lachlan’s Line Bridge at North Ryde
Cyclists can take as much time as needed to enjoy Sydney. Any section can be bypassed by taking the train. Only the four checkpoints need to be passed.
Bicycle trail Sydney highlight
Crossing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is a bicycle trails Sydney highlight and, one this route takes full advantage of, rewarding cyclists with heart-stopping views of the harbour and the city skyline. The bridge symbolises the finish line for many, marking the completion of an unforgettable trail around Sydney. Even though a ride across the Harbour Bridge completes the classic journey, you can start the loop anywhere.
Fast becoming one of the top ‘to do’ cycling activities in NSW, this incredible bike trail embraced by so many Sydney siders is much more than a cycle path. The Greater Sydney Bike Trail is a community initiative that encourages exploration, health, and environmental preservation. It brings together a variety of shared paths and low-traffic back roads, making it available for riders of all skill levels. The trail also supports the local economy and builds a sense of camaraderie among bicycle users, with social media groups and events focused around the bike trails Sydney experience.
Over 25,000 People
Rising YouTuber vlogger Josh Kwan for instance, made a great video about completing the 220km loop in one day over the long weekend, influencing over 25,000 people in just a few days!
A Facebook Group where cyclists share their ride stories and receive inspiration has over 3000 members
The entire concept has been created and promoted by @garryrobinson of CycleSydney.wiki
Happy days exploring on an e-bike. Garry has now mapped out the ultimate Sydney challenge – the 220km Greater Sydney Bike Trail. Head here to find out more. (Image: Garry Robinson)
Bicycle NSW recommends
For those looking to take on the Greater Sydney Bike Trail, Bicycle NSW recommends planning in advance. Going over the bicycle trails Sydney offers either, via route on a personal computer or even saving it to a Google Maps account can improve the navigation experience. Input from the wider cycling community has enabled the circuit to be varied enhancing the options and variety of each ride.
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail represents not just a cycle path but, is a celebration of Sydney’s cycling spirit. This is an opportunity to explore hidden treasures and a challenge that gives a sense of great accomplishment and wonderful memories, all while reducing the carbon footprint.
The Sydney BikeTrail Map. (Image: CycleSydney.Wiki).
Advocacy for a world premier bicycle riding adventure
Bicycle NSW is advocating for government to support and further develop The Greater Sydney Bike Trail. A modest investment collaboration by councils to add signage, fix a few missing links and crossings, and develop mapping would turn the Greater Sydney Bike Trail into one of the world’s premier bicycle riding adventures.
More information, detailed maps and links can be accessed here: https://bicyclensw.org.au/the-greater-sydney-bike-trail/
If anyone is deterred by a 200km ride - fear not! Both loops pass several major stations. So it’s easy to break the trip into sections.
It doesn’t matter if you are a resident or a visitor, the bicycle trails Sydney offers in this circuit are an unparalleled chance to see Sydney in a way that few other options can match.
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail is a testimony of great urban planning and community engagement, offering an enduring and delightful way for people to experience Sydney. It's a trail that guarantees excitement, unforgettable views, and the fun of riding all in one package. So, jump on your bicycle, get on some of the best bicycle trails Sydney has to give, and see what it has to offer. Happy and safe riding!
Before hitting the trail
It’s a good idea to join Bicycle NSW before hitting the trail to benefit from top-of-the-range insurance. Importantly, you will also support our advocacy and campaigns to make everywhere in NSW better for bike riding.
Not quite ready to sign up? Then please consider buying Bicycle NSW a coffee (or three!) so we can write many more articles like this.
