Cycling

Overview

Sutherland Shire contains a wealth of cycling opportunities for all levels of bike riding abilities.

The network of on- and off-road cycleways and bike trails is growing steadily as part of the Sutherland Shire Council's Cycleway Network Plan.

These new and integrated cycleways will help us to travel more quickly, easily and safely by bike to our town centres, railway stations, work, schools and parks, while helping to improve our environment and general health and well being.

Check out the Sutherland Shire Cycleway Network Map for an overview of existing and proposed bicycle networks around Sutherland Shire.

Cycling News and Event Updates

• Cycle to School
• Mill Creek Mountain Bike Trails
• Woolooware Bay Shared Pathway
• Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link (SCATL)
• Community Bike Rides
• Bike Riding and Maintenance Courses
• Ride2Work Day
• Bike Week
• Barden Ridge Pump Track
• Rawson Avenue Cycle Facility and Share Pathway
• Bike to the Beach

For updates on local cycling club events, see the Southern Cross Cycle Club and Sutherland Shire Cycle Club websites.

Where to ride in the Sutherland Shire

The Online Cycling Network Finder can help you plan your ride. The Network Finder is an interactive tool providing information on existing cycle routes across Sydney, including cycleways in the Sutherland Shire. 

 Other useful riding maps and guides include:

• Sutherland Shire Cycleway network map
• Barden Ridge Illawong Menai and Sutherland cycling map
• Sutherland Kirrawee Sylvania Woolooware Bay cycling map
• Mill Creek Mountain Bike Trails (formerly called Menai Mountain Bike Trail)
• The Royal National Park - Loftus Loop Trail and Lady Carrington Drive
• Woolooware Bay - Kurnell

Suggested Itineraries

Stuck for ideas of where to ride in the Shire? Here are some suggestions:

• Barden Ridge, Illawong, Menai and Sutherland route suggestions
• Sutherland, Kirrawee, Sylvania and Woolooware Bay route suggestions
• Waratah Cycling Track

The videos below show highlights of various cycle routes.

Alfords Point to Menai Marketplace

The western part of the Sutherland Shire has a growing network of off road, shared pedestrian / cycleways suitable for a wide range of people to enjoy with direct links to schools, shopping centres, employment and recreational areas. It takes in the area's scenic views and key land use features which make it an attractive, active and alternative way to get round the Shire.

Menai Marketplace to Sutherland Town Centre - shared cycleways

Alfords Point to The Ridge Sporting Complex - shared cycleways

Safety Tips

It is vitally important to follow the road rules when riding your bike. Your safety - and that of others using roads, shared pathways and trails - depends upon it.

• You can ride 2 abreast but no more than 1.5m apart.
• Don't speed, remember shared pathways are exactly that.
• Children under 12 may ride on footpaths.  Adults may only do this if they are accompanying a child under 12.
• Cyclists must give way to pedestrians. Use your bell to warn pedestrians you are approaching.
• Dismount and walk your bike across intersections or when using a pedestrian crossing.

• Wear a helmet – it’s the law.  It’s good to wear a bright colour so other road users can see you.
• At night, wear reflective clothing (a plain white shirt is the next best thing).
• In low light conditions or at night, display a steady or flashing light at the front of your bike and a red flashing light at the rear. Your bike must also have a red rear reflector.
• Keep left and obey road rules. Use correct hand signals before turning, changing lanes or stopping.

   More details of road rules for cyclists can be found at the Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety.

The Mill Creek Mountain Bike Trail is a work-in-progress under construction by a team of volunteers. Working bees are held on the first Saturday of each month.  A map of the track route can be found in the Lucas-Heights-Conservation-Area-Mill-Creek-Mountain-Bike-Trails.pdf.

If you would like to be part of creating the trail, contact Sutherland Shire Council Bushcare to sign up. Further information about the facility is available at https://www.facebook.com/millcreekmtbtrails/.