Thousands of bikes expected through northern beaches for annual ride

Cyclists on Sea Cliff Bridge, Coalcliff during a previous event. Picture: msgongride.org.au

MOTORISTS are reminded of road closures and speed reductions tomorrow (Sunday) for the annual Sydney to Wollongong charity bike ride, which supports people living with multiple sclerosis.

Ten thousand cyclists have registered to participate in the event and can choose to join the 82km ‘MS Sydney to Gong’ route starting from Tempe, or a 58km ride from Engadine.

Both routes will travel through the Royal National Park, Stanwell Tops, Sea Cliff Bridge at Coalcliff and Clifton, and along Lawrence Hargrave Drive through Austinmer and Thirroul to the northern cycleway, ending in Wollongong.

Speed limits will be reduced to 40kmh along Lawrence Hargrave Drive from Stanwell Park to Thirroul until 3pm, and on Sqyires Way from Fairy Meadow to Wollongong from 7.15am to 2pm.

A high-visibility police operation will be in place on to ensure the safety and security of those participating in the charity bicycle ride, supporters, road users and the wider community.

Motorists are reminded when overtaking cyclists to leave a 1.5m distance on roads with speed limits over 60kmh and one metre on roads 60kmh and under.

Runners will also hit the pavement in support of the charity event, with a 5km and 10km ‘MS Wellness Run’ held along the Wollongong coastline.

General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan and Southern Regions, will be assisted by specialist police from the Bicycle Unit, Police Transport Command, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.

Operation Commander, Superintendent Paul Carrett, said both riders and runners should prepare for another world-class event, travelling along some of the state’s most scenic coastline.

“The MS Sydney to Gong ride has been running for 38 years and is an event the NSW Police Force is proud to support,” Supt Carrett said.

“Our priority this weekend is to deliver a safe and family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy, while minimising the impact on road users and the local community.

“There will be road and lane closures, special event clearways and speed reductions in place along the route from Sydney to Wollongong, so please – slow down, drive to the conditions and look out for other road users,” said Supt Carrett.

For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: http://www.livetraffic.com

For more information about the ride, visit https://www.msgongride.org.au/