Frequently Asked questions

Spring Cycle is one of the most anticipated cycling events in NSW, attracting thousands of participants each year. This event not only promotes bike riding as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation but also serves as a significant advocacy platform for better bicycle infrastructure and policies.

The first Spring Cycle was held in the early 1980s and has since grown to be one of the largest cycling events in Sydney. Initially, the Spring Cycle started as a small community ride, but it has now evolved into a massive gathering that sees around thousands of cyclists of all ages and experiences riding together.

The Spring Cycle 2026 national charity partner is Lifeline. Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Currently Lifeline is experiencing more calls than ever before. Lifeline exists to ensure that no one must face their toughest moments alone.

Funds raised via the Spring Cycle in 2026 will go towards supporting Lifeline’s crisis support and suicide prevention services across Australia.

Two great distances to register for in 2026.

The 10km City Ride is ideal for families and novice riders who want to experience the thrill of riding over the Harbour Bridge and past some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and the historic Rocks area.

The 50km Classic Ride is for those looking for an adventure, this route takes in the best of the 10km City Ride – over the spectacular Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House and the historic Rocks area, before exploring the diverse Inner West and venturing out to our brand new Finish Festival in the heart of Western Sydney, Parramatta.

The 2026 Spring Cycle will take place on Sunday 11th October 2026.

The 2026 Spring Cycle is organised by Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney Ltd ACN 647 587 853 (Lifeline H2HS).

Registrations will be open from 2 July 2026

Yes, on the day registration will be available for the 10km ride and the 50km ride. If you choose to register on the day, please arrive at least 1 hour before the start of your ride. However, we HIGHLY recommend that you register online before 5pm Friday 9th October to ensure you are able to collect your bib smoothly on the morning of the Spring Cycle.

• Ride entry
• Finisher medal
• First aid assistance, rest sites and bike mechanics
• Volunteer support
• Entry to the finish festival
• Sweep bus access
• Fundraising prizes
• Free travel thanks to TfNSW
• BNSW membership discounts

Child Entry is available for all children under age 15 on event day. Unfortunately, children under 8 years old will not be allowed to ride in the Spring Cycle independently on their own bicycle. However, they are most welcome in a bay seat, trailer or connected via a tag-along or similar device. If your child will be riding with you in an ‘attached’ style, we welcome them to ride the Spring Cycle. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, as nominated at the time of registration.

The following age restrictions apply to the rides:

10km City Ride – Children can ride on a parent’s bicycle in this ride. Children riding independently on their own bicycle must be 8 years or older on the day of the ride.

50km Classic Ride – Children can ride on a parent’s bicycle in this ride. Children riding independently on their own bicycle must be 12 years or older on the day of the ride.

Yes, Spring Cycle is a family event for all. However, please make sure that your child is also a registered entrant in the event.

Age restrictions are due to safety recommendations and priorities from the NSW Police and government authorities. As a result of the recommendations, Spring Cycle has made the decision to set age limits for independent riding for each ride:

10km City Ride – 8 years and older

50km Classic Ride – 12 years and older

We understand there will be children and parents disappointed by these age restrictions, and many children are advanced riders for their young age, however this decision has been made to ensure the safety of all riders. We thank you for your understanding on this important issue and for supporting our commitment to everyone’s safety.

Adaptive cycling is permitted in Spring Cycle.The Spring Cycle is the first recreation bike ride welcoming people of all abilities, giving everyone access to cycling, and pedalling the iconic event in the heart of Sydney.

Please see the adaptive cycling information on the Rider Info page for more information on how to register. https://springcycle.com.au/rider-info/

For the safety and comfort of all participants, we kindly request that you leave your pets at home. Due to the crowds, fast moving bicycles and varied terrain, we cannot guarantee the safety of your beloved animals. Additionally, we want riders and supporters to feel comfortable and focused.

Your Spring Cycle Ride Pack will have your ride number and rider wristband. The ride number to be displayed at the front of your bike and the wristband to be worn on the day of the event.

You can request postage of your rider pack for $5 when you register online.

Please note that rider packs will only be posted to participants who select the postage option during registration. Participants who register after the rider pack mail-out period has commenced may be required to collect their rider pack from the start site on ride day.

Remember, you MUST have your bib on your bike prior to riding on event day!

We have rest stops on the 50km ride to prioritise your safety and help you get through the ride to the best of your ability.

We also provide a Sweep Bus which follows each ride and can pick you up if you can’t manage to ride any further. The Sweep Bus will take you to the nearest public transport or major site so that you can make your way home from there or continue to the finish site.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

Mandatory Items 

You must bring these items in order to participate: 

• Bike – In good working condition. 
• Helmet – Australian standards approved. 
• Rider Pack – Includes your event bib and wristband. 
• Water Bottle – Stay hydrated throughout the ride. 

Recommended Items 

These items aren’t required, but we highly recommend bringing them for your comfort and convenience: 

• Snacks – Energy bars, fruit, or other light refreshments to keep your energy up. 
• Sunscreen – Protect your skin, especially during longer rides. 
• Mobile Phone – For navigation, emergencies, or to capture the moment. 
• Cash/Card – For food stalls or merchandise at the event village. 
• Rain Jacket or Windbreaker – Weather can be unpredictable. 
• Basic Repair Kit – Spare tube, tire levers, and a mini pump or CO₂ inflator. 

• 8.00am start at St Leonards Park, North Sydney
• Finish at Pirrama Park, Pyrmont

• 6.30am start at St Leonards Park, North Sydney
• Finish at Parramatta Park

It is best to arrive 30 minutes before start time. Please leave extra time if you need bag drop or rider pack collection.

Availability of parking will be heavily impacted by the street closures and other elements of the event. It is highly recommended that riders and volunteers utilise public transportation methods. Please see our ‘Traffic and Transport’ page for more details.

To view the parking stations available in North Sydney, click here.

It is best to arrive at St Leonards Park 30 minutes before start time. Please leave extra time if you need bag drop or rider pack collection.

10km City Ride – 7:45am-8:30am start

50km Classic Ride – 6.30am-7:45am start

Check in is NOT required. You just need to have your bike ready to go with your rider number and make sure you have your wristband on!

While you are more than welcome to ride with your belongings, we have organised a bag drop from St Leonards Park, North Sydney. Bags will be transported to the Parramatta Park and Pirrama Park Finish Festivals in a truck, and riders can collect them from the collection point.

Spring Cycle participants are not covered by insurance by default. To ensure that you have Personal Accident and Public Liability cover, it is best to become a Bicycle NSW Member. Existing Bicycle NSW Members will be covered by their membership. For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

All routes use sealed roads and cycleways. Riders use mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, tandems, unicycles, recumbents – you name it! It is a ride for everyone! Time trial bikes are not allowed, however if you have bolt on aero bars that you can remove, then you can ride the bike. Please check our safety recommendations to be sure your bike is up to par!

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

Yes, by all means! Tandems are welcome to ride in Spring Cycle. However, as a safety requirement for the ride, both riders must be registered as two separate registrations.

Electric bikes are more than welcome for Spring Cycle. All E-Bikes must abide by all legislation and road rules like all other cyclists. If the E-bikes do not meet the requirements, then the event organiser will not permit the bike to be used. No E-Bike participant is to overtake the lead cyclist at the head of the event.

Yes. E-bikes are able to travel on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, intercity services, Sydney Metro and Sydney Ferries services to get to and from the event.

First Aid officers will be available at the start, rest and finish sites to provide first aid care. There will also be mobile crews riding the event to help you throughout the ride if you require their assistance.

Please call 000 in case of an emergency.

There will be bike mechanics accessible along the courses.

You can find bike mechanics at the start and at rest spots. There will also be mobile mechanics along both courses.

For the safety of all riders, road and lane closures will be in place on the day of the Spring Cycle. We will have more information available soon.

Yes, donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

In 2026, Spring Cycle proudly welcomes Lifeline as its national charity partner. As one of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations, Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services to people in distress. Every dollar raised through the Spring Cycle helps Lifeline answer more calls, support more communities, and reach more Australians doing it tough. 

Sharing your fundraising page is easy and one of the best ways to boost your donations!

When you registered for Spring Cycle, a personal fundraising page was automatically created for you.

Once you have your link, here are a few ways to share it:

• Email it to friends, family, or colleagues with a personal message
• Post it on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or WhatsApp
• Download your page’s QR code and pop it on a poster, flyer, or workplace noticeboard
• Include it in your email signature to keep the conversation going

Tip: Make it personal. Add a message about why you’re riding for Lifeline to help inspire donations.

We need your help to make the Spring Cycle a success! This is your chance to volunteer and be a part of the iconic event that brings together cyclists of all ages and abilities for a day experiencing Sydney at it’s best. Spring Cycle is powered by volunteers.

Make a difference. Meet new people. Gain experience. Enjoy the event!

Please follow THIS LINK to volunteer.

• Venue Bump In Volunteers
• Course Marshals
• Start Venue Volunteers
• Finish Venue Volunteers
• Bump Out Volunteers

Please follow THIS LINK to volunteer.

All volunteers/crew receive a unique event crew shirt, hat and bag for your efforts!

You will get a special volunteer t-shirt to wear on the day. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes you will be happy to stand and walk in.

Spring Cycle is powered by volunteers. Some volunteer roles, especially Course Marshals, are important elements of our risk management plans and cannot be vacant.

If you are no longer able to attend, please email volunteer@springcycle.com as soon as possible so we can ensure everyone is safe on the day.

Entry fees are non-refundable if you change your mind or are no longer able to participate in the Event. The Organisers will consider requests to transfer your entry to the following year’s Event.

A participant may only withdraw from the Event if they are not able to take part in the Event due to medical reasons which must be proven by an official note and relevant documentation from a medical doctor and/or allied health professional.

Refunds can be arranged by contacting info@springcycle.com.au. You must state your full name and the full names of anyone else you may have registered that also would like a refund. Emails will be honoured from the date of receipt.

A registration is not transferable to another person without the express permission and consent of the Organisers.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

Entries will be refunded to the card used to enter and will be returned within 10 working days.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

Processing fees will not be refunded. This is because the registration platform, plus banks and card networks keep their upfront fees. Therefore, we cannot refund these costs, because they are not refunded to us when the charge is refunded.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

If the Organiser decides to exercise its discretion and cancel the Event, the Organiser will endeavour to publish this decision on the Event’s website (www.springcycle.com.au) as soon as practicable after the Event has been cancelled.

In the instance that the Event cannot proceed for any reason prior to commencement, Participants will be offered the following options regarding the paid entry fee:

• Convert the entry fee to a donation to the Lifeline Spring Cycle.
• Transfer the entry fee to registration for the following year’s Event; or
• Request a refund of the entry fee.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

If an account remains open even with a new credit card number or updated expiration date, the funds will transfer back into the account. If an account has been permanently closed, you need to call the bank to arrange for the funds to be moved.

The Spring Cycle will go ahead come rain or shine! Should the event organisers and government agencies decide the conditions are not safe for the ride to go ahead, or that any course changes are required, a decision will be made and communicated to participants as soon as this decision has been made.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.

No, unfortunately you cannot transfer your registration. This is for the safety of all riders.

Please contact the team at info@springcycle.com.au to discuss this further.

Bicycle NSW and Lifeline look forward to welcoming you and everyone to the 2026 Spring Cycle.

For more information, please refer to the Spring Cycle Terms and Conditions.