Knowledge Cycling in Sydney – experiencing momentum on two wheels 5 February 2026 Cycling News In late January, our director Skadi Tirpak spent several days in Sydney, gaining first-hand insight into how the city is continuing to shape its cycling network. While time did not allow for a ride across the iconic Harbour Bridge, the visit offered a valuable snapshot of Sydney’s direction, combining major infrastructure upgrades with thoughtfully designed local routes. A New Chapter for the Harbour Bridge One of the most talked-about recent additions is the new cycle ramp at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For many years, cyclists had to carry their bikes up and down a long staircase, creating a barrier for people using heavier bikes, travelling with children, or those less confident on steep steps. The ramp replaces that physical hurdle with a gradual, accessible approach, making the crossing feel more direct and comfortable for people travelling between North Sydney and the city centre. Projects like this may appear straightforward, but small design decisions often have a significant impact on everyday journeys. Although Skadi did not have the opportunity to test the ramp herself, its completion highlights an important principle: practical design details matter when cities want cycling to function as a realistic transport option. Photos courtesy of a friend who now regularly cycles to work. Riding the Inner West GreenWay Skadi did, however, experience another side of Sydney by bike. At the invitation of the Netherlands Consulate-General in Sydney, she joined an expertly guided tour of the Inner West GreenWay. The ride was organised by the Committee for Sydney and brought together representatives from local councils, Transport for NSW, Sydney Water, and others involved in shaping the corridor. Stretching roughly six kilometres, the GreenWay connects the Parramatta River at Iron Cove to the Cooks River at Earlwood. The route moves through parkland, alongside waterways, and across neighbourhoods, demonstrating how cycling infrastructure can be carefully integrated into the surrounding urban landscape. During the ride, discussions touched on what it takes to deliver routes like this – from early planning to coordination between landowners and public authorities. Local champions, including those instrumental in the GreenWay’s development, shared valuable perspectives on the long-term commitment required to realise projects of this scale. Looking Ahead Together, the Harbour Bridge ramp and the Inner West GreenWay show how Sydney is steadily refining its cycling environment. High-profile projects and local connections each contribute to building a network that is easier to navigate and more comfortable to use. For the Dutch Cycling Embassy, visits like these provide an opportunity to listen, exchange knowledge, and better understand how cities approach mobility challenges within their own context. Sydney’s progress illustrates how persistence, collaboration, and attention to detail can gradually strengthen a cycling network – one connection at a time.