Sydney’s not really known for it’s cycle friendly atmosphere. From the lack of bicycle lanes to the massive congestion in the CBD, just ask any full time Sydney cyclist and they’ll gladly share with you the perils of riding Sydneys streets.

A ride around Sydney’s streets typically goes something like this:

(Two) women, both aged 42, were hit from behind while riding south on South Dowling Street near Todman Avenue at Kensington at about 6am (AEST) today.

The male motorist stopped and told the injured pair he would get an ambulance, but did not return. One suffered soft tissue damage and the other a suspected fractured elbow.


Bernie from Sydney Cyclist has even filmed some of his commutes to give you an idea of Sydney’s cyclists are up against:


Coming from riding around in Melbourne where cars are generally courteous, the distinct lack of giving way and trying to overtake in Bernie’s video is pretty alarming.

Even if you’ve been riding for years dealing with pushy incosiderate motor traffic can still be a challenge, obviously moreso if you’re just starting out in cycling with traffic.

To help new cyclists integrate better with traffic, Syndey council are now offering a free cycling course aimed at people who know how to ride a bike but need a little help in cycling on public roads.

The course runs for four and a half hours in groups of 10 and are taken by two cycling instructors. Here’s a quick rundown of the course structure:

1. An initial check and practise of basic cycling skills (conducted in a park away from traffic)

2. Cycling on quiet roads to learn what to do on a bike in low to moderate traffic

3. Cycling in regular traffic to practice urban traffic cycling skills (with regular stops to discuss different situations city cyclists come across)

4. Learning different cycling drills on a variety of roads – the two instructors will demonstrate the various drills first and then course participants will practice them


One of the most common things I hear when people learn I do practically everything on my bike is they are too scared to ride on the public roads or they don’t know how to. A course like this sounds like a great way for urban begginers to get a feel for how to ride correctly on the roads and deal with traffic that often wants to work against you.

Hopefully Melbourne council steps up to the plate and starts offering something like this soon. I’m sure it would cure some of the ‘wobblies’ I see every morning commuting to work everytime a car goes past.

Currently the courses are offered into late september and can be booked online; additionally for more information visit the course website.

Did I mention it’s FREE?


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