Saturday Cycle: Lambton to Dixon Beach Cafe (option to start at Hamilton)

This is a free easy slow guided bike ride showcasing a quiet easy route from Lambton to Dixon Beach. 19km return.

Start at either Lambton Library, or halfway at Gregson Park, Hamilton.

At Dixon Beach, we have morning tea at Sunnyboy Kiosk, overlooking the Beach. ☀️☕️

Map of route: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099
👇Map is also in photos below.

✨Come along to learn low-traffic bike routes, enjoy the outdoors, learn key road positioning skills and build cycling confidence! ✨

😎This ride showcases shared paths & quiet streets that link up to create a pleasant direct transport route - unaffected by peak hour traffic - between Lambton, Broadmeadow, Hamilton, The Junction, Bar Beach & Merewether.

Suitable for most skill & fitness levels. 👍

15 spots. New people very welcome. Any questions, let me know 🙂

If you start at Lambton:
Meet at: Lambton Library, corner of Morehead St and Elder St
Start time: arrive at 8:45am for a 9am departure
Finish time: approx 12pm
Distance: 19km return
Pedaling time: 1 hour 45 minutes return

If you start at Gregson Park, Hamilton
Meet us at: Gregson Park Playground, Steel St opposite James St
Start time: be ready to go by 9:25am (It takes us about 15-20 minutes to get to Gregson Park. Upon departing Lambton, I will comment below to let you know we are on our way. We may be running 5 - 10 mins late, but please be there by 9:25am & you won't miss us)
Finish time: 11:30am approx
Distance: 9km return
Pedaling time: 50 minutes return

Topography: flat, except for a 50m steep incline on a shared path (you can walk this if you like).

Pace: slow, relaxed, 15km/hr

Cycling fitness level: VERY EASY to EASY/medium/hard/very hard

Types of infrastructure: 50% shared paths, 50% low-pressure, low-speed, low-traffic streets, no main roads or high-pressure crossings.

How we ride:

• We are a group of people with varying experience, confidence levels and cycling styles, with the aim of building confidence for urban transport cycling. I give a safety briefing at the start. I lead the ride & provide instruction as needed. Someone volunteers as sweep.
• We stick together & ride in an alert, slow manner. We position ourselves within the field of vision of drivers, not hugging the left, keeping a predictable trajectory/speed.
• Given we are usually on quiet, low-speed, short streets, we mostly take primary position (claiming the lane) in order to: prevent unsafe passes, to arrive in a visible position at junctions, & to turn right.
• We ride in single file, clear of the doorzone & of the mouths of side-streets.
• On shared paths, slow to a safe speed to pass others, giving early warning as necessary. Give others a wide passing distance. If a safe passing distance is not possible, wait until it is safe to overtake.
• Please read the How We Ride Policy & the RSVP Policy located on the group's homepage.
• You are responsible for your own safety at all times.

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Suitable for those who have recently learnt to ride through to those who are experienced.

However, you must be able to effectively: stop and start, pedal, steer, signal left and right, look over your shoulder to check for what's behind you, be always alert to upcoming hazards, and anticipate the behaviour of pedestrians and vehicles.

You’ll need:

• helmet
• bike with good working brakes & tyres pumped to the recommended PSI
• bike lock/s
• water bottle
• phone & opal card in case of mechanical issue
• a repair kit, if you have one (spare tubes, tyre levers, patches, pump, sealant etc)

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Indemnity and release of liability
By participating in this activity you unconditionally indemnify the organiser/host against any and all claims, demands, losses, injuries, damages, liabilities or other costs, whether present or future, relating to your participation and/or dealings with Bike About Town - Newcastle, including but not limited to, any accident, loss or damage to property or death or injury to any person.
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Getting there

• By Bike: https://www.newcastlecycleways.org.au/way-finding, Bike About Town's Komoot account: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099?ref=itd , or comment below for a low-traffic route :)
• Coming by train? Bikes travel free.
• Parking: available on surrounding streets.

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If the weather is looking unfavourable, check the comments below for updates; heavy rain may result in cancellation.
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Transform your journey, ride more safely & change Newy's street culture. These videos explain international best practice cycling principles for everyday city trips:

• How to cycle safely at junctions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CG0VTwevoU
• How to negotiate simple junctions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YOrAiXKagc
• Road positioning for city cycling explained: https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/road-positioning-cycling-explained#:

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Facebook https://facebook.com/BikeAboutTownNewcastleNSW
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099?ref=itd

The aim of Bike About Town is to give people the knowledge and skills to use their bike for everyday short trips, eg. to work, the shops, to hobbies, to the beach. Add a low-cost, low-carbon, mood-boosting, quick transport option to your repertoire! 🤗😎