During the launch of the 2026 Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling, it was highlighted how inclusion will be a key part of the festival. Photo: Supplied.
Wollongong is inviting the community to help build a city-wide cycling movement, with its plans for the 2026 Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling designed to get more people riding.
Set to roll out in late August, the 16-day festival aims to bring together riders of all ages and abilities, with the community playing a key role in shaping the program.
The diverse program of rides, events and activities for the festival builds on the legacy of the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.
UCI Bike City coordinator Samara Sheppard said the festival was designed to be shaped by the community, for the community.
“This is more than just a calendar of events, it’s about creating a city-wide cycling movement that invites everyone to get involved,” Ms Sheppard said.
“We know there are so many people in Wollongong who are interested in cycling but don’t currently ride, whether that’s due to confidence, access or simply not knowing where to start.
“This festival is about breaking down those barriers and creating opportunities for people to experience cycling in a way that feels welcoming, safe and enjoyable.
“We’re inviting community groups, clubs and organisations to be part of it, whether that’s hosting an event, running a program or creating an experience that encourages more people to get involved.”
The diverse program is set to boast community rides, racing events, mountain biking, BMX, workshops, film screenings and inclusive cycling experiences, with many events delivered by Illawarra clubs and organisations.
Among them will be The Disability Trust, which runs its own program, CycleAbility, giving people of all abilities the chance to experience cycling through modified bikes and piloted trikes.
Disability Trust community and groups senior manager Michael Norris said events like the festival were based on inclusion, which was the foundation of The Disability Trust.
“That’s the most important thing, being part of your community,” Mr Norris said during the launch.
“I think with our programs with the sport and rec team at the Disability Trust, it’s about getting out and being active in your local community and I think cycling does that for us.
“A few years ago, we were fortunate to set up the CycleAbility program through [Disability Trust chief operating officer and passionate cyclist] Ed Birt.”
He said as part of the festival, it would host an all abilities event at the Illawarra Criterium Track at Unanderra.
“It’s a fantastic track, because yes, it’s flat and we have a few tricky bits, but it’s inclusive, so for people with disabilities, whether it be at the trust or other service providers, they can pull in, there’s accessible parking, they can access the track and use the equipment to get out and about in their community and learn how to ride.
“Hopefully, from that, they’ll be able to transfer those skills and get out along these beautiful cycleways we have here in the Illawarra.”
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the city was proud of its Bike City status and council remained focused on investing in active transport infrastructure that allowed a range of riding opportunities.
“Every day I see people using bikes to get around our city, whether that be to and from work, for exercise or for a social activity,” councillor Brown said.
“It’s important our community is aware of the breadth of cycling opportunities in Wollongong.”
Destination Wollongong general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the festival represented a major opportunity to showcase the region while strengthening community engagement.
“Wollongong has firmly established itself as one of Australia’s leading cycling destinations, and this festival is a natural extension of that story,” Mr Wilshire said.
“What makes this unique is the community-driven approach; it’s not just something delivered to the community, it’s something built by the community.”
The festival will include many free or low-cost activities and has financial support from GM3 Dendrobium Mine, Wollongong City Council and the NSW Office of Sport.
GM3 Dendrobium Mine general manager Simon Thomas said its backing of the expanded Ride Wollongong into the Festival of Cycling built on its cycling partnerships, which included everything from contributions through the Dendrobium Community Enhancement Program (DCEP) to the criterium track in Unanderra, to support for the 2022 UCI World Cycling event.
“We’re particularly excited about the activities happening in and around Mt Kembla where our mine is,” he said.
“So we’ve got the heritage and education rides happening in and around there, and the recently opened mountain bike trails.
“I think cycling is a really important part of the Illawarra and is a great way to celebrate the area that we live in.”
Community and cycling groups interested in being part of the festival are encouraged to register their interest or learn more via the Ride Wollongong website.
