Submission to BNSW: The Greater Sydney Bike Trail (DRAFT)
– A 220km Global Landmark in Urban Cycling that is ready to go to the next level !
Subject: Formal Community Proposal & Infrastructure Design Guidance for the Greater Sydney Bike Trail (GSBT)
Date: April 13, 2026
1. Executive Summary: The 220km Vision
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail (GSBT) is a visionary 220km continuous loop defining our global city. Unlike fragmented networks, the GSBT is a proven, rideable circuit where 85% of the route consists of high-quality shared paths and dedicated cycleways. The remaining 15% consists of decent on-road sections that already provide a functional connection.
At 220km, the GSBT outscales international benchmarks like the Stelling van Amsterdam (170km) and the Berlin Wall Trail (160km). With over 750 riders already completing or attempting the circuit, the appetite for this experience is established. We believe local councils along the GSBT would welcome targeted assistance to maintain or upgrade existing paths that form part of this prestigious loop.
2. Rivers, Bays, and an Insight into Our Massive, Diverse City
The trail’s strength lies in its ability to link Sydney’s vast geography into one continuous journey. The route is defined by the rivers and bays that give the city its soul, moving from the lush Parramatta and Georges River valleys to the sweeping vistas of the coastal south. Along the way, the trail passes through established cycling meccas like Centennial Park, the M7 Cycleway, Lane Cove National Park, and La Perouse, which act as massive drawcards for thousands of riders every weekend. These hubs serve as the trail’s anchors, culminating in a world-famous finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
3. Infrastructure Guidance: Solving the Priority Gaps
To elevate the GSBT to a global standard, we have identified three priority areas where design assistance would benefit both the local community and the continuity of the 220km loop. What follows are 3 samples, there are more but none too urgent.
The Liverpool-Casula Link: The transition from Chipping Norton to Casula via Liverpool remains a primary barrier. We propose transforming the “scrappy” riverfront parklands into a marquee segment by leveraging existing railway bridge supports to link Liverpool Station with Haigh Park (East) and Papermill (South) across the Georges River Weir. Note: An alternative connection could also be achieved through Warwick Farm at much lower cost.
The Northern Approach: The route through North Sydney to the Harbour Bridge remains fragmented. Strategic design has long been put forward to create a path down West St and the Highway to connects the Lower North Shore to the city’s most iconic bridge crossing. Just add the Global GSBT as further incentive to get it done.
Access to Lane Cove NP: We suggest a better definition of the on-road section from Shrimptons Creek to Lane Cove National Park. At the Eastern end, a better crossing of Delhi Rd and a wide, protected area on the steepest part of the climb from the National Park up Fullers Road.
4. User Experience & Community Advocacy
The GSBT has achieved significant mainstream recognition, evidenced by a two-page spread in the Sydney Morning Herald, a popular Bicycle NSW feature, and a dedicated article in RideOn Magazine.
Rather than hiring expensive consultants, we anticipate that established advocacy groups like Bike North, Western Sydney Cycling Network, and Bike Leichhardt could provide the effective guidance for trail refinement. Government support to these organizations would achieve a superior, “wheels-on-the-ground” result at a significantly lower cost to the taxpayer. Many members have completed a lap or are aware of the GSBT.
5. Multi-Modal Support & Economic Impact
The GSBT is uniquely positioned to be the world’s most accessible “segmented” loop. Because the route intersects frequently with the heavy rail and metro networks at hubs like Wolli Creek, Revesby, and Glenfield, riders can tackle the 220km in manageable sections. We have already seen local hotels benefit from accommodation travel related to the trail; this economic impact would likely increase significantly with formal Government recognition, turning the GSBT into a premier “staycation” asset.
6. Strategic Conclusion: The Flagship for NSW
It is reasonable to expect that cyclists drawn to future regional landmarks, such as the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, will expect equally high-quality choices within the state capital. The Greater Sydney Bike Trail can serve as the flagship ride to spur that support and satisfy international expectations. We ask Bicycle NSW to adopt this loop as a priority project to ensure Sydney and NSW take their rightful place as a global cycling attraction.
Supporting Evidence:
The Deep Dive (200km Loop): Josh Kwan’s 13-hour journey
The Everyday Journey: Mike Coles’ Holiday at Home
Technical Mapping and Links: CycleSydney.com post on the GSBT here.
Superb work you're doing here Garry! Superb!!!