[Sydney Au] Getting started with bicycle life

[thereserve]

Total Bicycle newb here

I have just, following the wisdom of Mustachianism, purchased a used bicycle trailer.
Problem begins where I don't yet have a bicycle, but I plan to use this trailer to lug my kids and groceries around and avoid cars at all cost.

Just wondering if anyone can provide me with a few Sydney-based bicycling tips, such as where to shop, what to avoid, and so on?

Bonus if you're looking to sell or lease me a decent vehicle.


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[marty998]

Can't say I'm game to go out riding much these days... what with all the anti bike laws and having to carry ID and being fined for breathing.

What part of Sydney are you from? Traffic isn't terrible in the south where I am, but equally, there are no dedicated commuting bike paths anywhere near me.

[thereserve]

I'm not too clear on said laws, although I plan to only use pedestrian and bicycle paths - not using the road at all. if i come to a road, its pressing the button and waiting for the green man. I've been doing the 5km route on foot for about a month now and simply wish to save time and open more options (going to the shops) by getting the bicycle for it instead.

I thought the only really strict rule was wear ya helmet? Better look it all up, you've got me worried.

I'm living and working in the south west

Someone has just told me they service their bicycle 2x per year at a cost of $40 each time, and extra for parts

Am I naive to think this is unnecessary or that I'd be able to use google and fix everything myself? I don't have any kinds of tools at all... Not that kinda guy. yet.

[GT]

There's no requirement to carry ID, it hasn't been passed/come into effect in NSW yet refer: http://www.executivestyle.com.au/what-happened-to-id-laws-for-cyclists-in-nsw-gr5bvq

Yes you need a helmet, a bell and a working brake or cop a fine.

Lights front and rear if you are riding between the hours of dusk and dawn or cop a fine.

You can't ride on the pedestrian footpath unless riding with a minor under 12 years of age who is also riding, but can ride on a bicycle path, make sure you know which is which or cop a fine.

[Dropbear]

Despite the poor design of the road environment (few bike lanes, limited connectivity, etc.), there seems to be more and more people riding these days.  I'm planning on doing it too, but thankfully I have a half decent bike route into the city, although things might get trickier once I'm in there...

I'd suggest that you could learn to fix many things yourself, but you can always get a pro service if you're stumped by a problem.

Good luck to you!

[thereserve]

I'd suggest that you could learn to fix many things yourself, but you can always get a pro service if you're stumped by a problem.


Good luck to you!

Thanks Dropbear

Yes you need a helmet, a bell and a working brake or cop a fine.

Lights front and rear if you are riding between the hours of dusk and dawn or cop a fine.

You can't ride on the pedestrian footpath unless riding with a minor under 12 years of age who is also riding, but can ride on a bicycle path, make sure you know which is which or cop a fine.

Thanks GT - I didn't know all of these rules, as obvious as they may seem I'm learning a lot. As for the pedestrian footpath, I'm really lucky in that I have quiet residential roads, and then bike lanes which are combined with the footpath (NOT the car road) onwards from there.



I cycled to work today for the first time! Proud of making a tiny step towards my stash.

I paid $150 for a used Learsport bicycle off of Gumtree. From talking to cyclers at work (there are 2 in my ~10 person team here, not bad) they suggest I do this and that to it and have a shop look at it. All around got some opinions and seems I got a decent machine for the money.


Given the shop checkup costs about $40, I'm hoping to get at least $250 of benefit from my bicycle. I save 20km of car travel/day so it seems I will win before long.