Cycling in Marrickville

 

Marrickville Council is committed to promoting environmentally-friendly forms of transport, particularly cycling.

Council has developed and is continually upgrading arrange of on-road cycling facilities to make streets in Marrickville safer for cyclists. A range of off-road cycling facilities also exist. These paths allow cyclists to ride on a paved surface without interference from vehicles. Pedestrians have priority on shared paths and cyclists must ride to the left of the path. Bicycle parking is provided at various locations throughout the area.

• Existing bicycle routes
• Ryde to Botany Bay Cycle Route
• Tempe to Kurnell Bicycle Route

Tips for Cyclists

By law cyclists must:

• Obey all the road rules just like motorists;
• Wear a well-fitting Australian Standards-approved helmet;
• Not ride on footpaths (unless permitted by a sign), except for children under 12 and those accompanying them;
• Always use hand signals if they intend to turn or change lanes to the right;
• Walk their bike, not ride across a pedestrian crossing;
• Travel away from the curb. Remember, cyclists are entitled to a whole lane and travel two abreast (ie side by side).

All bikes must be fitted with:

• A bell or warning device;
• Red rear reflector (white front also advisable);
• At least one working brake.

At night:

• You must use white front headlight and red rear light;
• It’s advisable to wear reflective, white or bright-coloured clothing.

Maintenance

• Regularly check your tyres, wheels, brakes, chains, lights and reflectors to make sure they are in good working order;
• Take your bicycle to a bike shop at least once a year to be checked.

Cyclists - the road is there to share with motorists and pedestrians. Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Seen.
Motorists - the road is there to share with cyclists and pedestrians. Be Safe, Be Smart, Think Bikes.

• Look for cyclists before opening car doors;
• Take extra care at intersections when turning;
• Give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking.

Marrickville Bicycle Strategy & Implementation

Council adopted the Marrickville Bicycle Strategy in August 2007 following extensive community consultation.

The Strategy encompasses:

1. A bicycle network plan
2. A bicycle parking plan
3. Better integration with public transport
4. Bicycle friendly streets & neighbourhoods.

• Bicycle Strategy
  For further details, or to download the full strategy visit the Bicycle Strategy page on our website.
   

• Implementing the Bicycle Strategy
  Visit the Your Council at Work section to find out more about upcoming and completed works on local cycleways.

Cycling contacts

• Sydney Community College
  Offers short affordable cycling courses to improve your skills and confidence in riding a bike.
   
• Bike Bus
  A bike bus is a group of people who cycle to work in a group. It’s called a ‘bus’ because there is a set route and timetable so it can pick up more ‘passengers’ along the way.
   
• Massbug
  Local bicycle group covering Marrickville and former South Sydney Council areas. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre at 7:30pm.
   
• Bicycle NSW
  Peak cycling body providing advice, insurance, ride events bike shop discounts and Australian Cyclist magazine to members
   
• RTA Cycleways
  The RTA has produced Cycleway maps for Newcastle, Central Coast, Illawarra and Sydney regions.