Women’s Cycling

How IBUG supports cycling for everyone

At the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group (IBUG), we believe cycling should be for everyone—especially women and non-binary folk of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

We know that people will ride when it feels safe, enjoyable, and supported. That’s why we advocate for:

  • A 30km/h speed limit on local neighbourhood streets to make roads safer for everyone.
  • A connected and convenient cycling network that prioritizes direct, safe routes.
  • Healthier school travel, with a goal for 75% of children to walk, ride, scoot, or take public transport to school every day.
  • More pedestrian and cycling crossings for safer and easier movement through our communities.
  • Thriving local businesses through beautiful, people-friendly streetscapes.

We proudly support the Better Streets campaign. Every Australian community deserves streets that are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, better for the environment, and support local businesses to thrive. Learn more at www.betterstreets.org.au

IBUG Women’s Rides

We’re building our capacity to host more social rides and specifically focus on supporting women women and non-binary folk who want to return to cycling. Whether you’re rebuilding confidence or starting fresh, you’re welcome here.

IBUG partners with local cycling groups to create more opportunities for women women and non-binary folk to ride. In recent years, we’ve hosted events like the Fancy Women’s Bike Ride and screenings of Women Don’t Cycle. We understand that every rider is different—so we’ve compiled a list of local groups that offer regular rides and supportive cycling communities for women in the Illawarra.

Bicycle Buddies

👭 Pilot Program – Launched 2025 – listen to us on ABC Illawarra Radio

This mentoring program pairs women andwomen and non-binary folk who want to get back on their bikes with a friendly IBUG volunteer for encouragement and support.

What are Bicycle Buddies? We are an enthusiastic, friendly, suburb based, mentoring network of women and women and non-binary folk. We want to share our joy of cycling one on one with other women.

We hold flexible and negotiated rides on quiet local routes with the goal of increasing the confidence, safety and bike riding of the participants.

Bike riding for leisure and active transport.

📞 Contact: Rhonda – 0411 546 558

Register as a Bicycle Buddy Mentor or Mentee

Women and the LGBTQIA+ friendly group activities

Wollongong Women’s Cycling Club

An inclusive group for women and women and non-binary folk of all riding levels—whether you ride for fun, fitness, or friendship. Rides are posted on Facebook with details on meeting spots, speeds, and destinations.

📞 0423 129 493
📧 wollongongwomenscc@gmail.com
🔗 linktr.ee/julescycling
📱 Facebook: Wollongongwomenscc

Leisure Coast Cycle Club

A relaxed, supportive club that runs “no drop” rides—no one gets left behind. Welcoming beginners and seasoned riders alike.

🌐 www.leisurecoast.cc
📧 leisurecoastcc@gmail.com

Wild Women of Wollongong

A vibrant Facebook group with 10.2k members offering casual, social rides for women and women and non-binary folk of all ages and abilities. Ride times vary—check the group for updates.

📱 Facebook: Wild Women of Wollongong

Cycling Without Age – Illawarra

A volunteer program offering seniors the joy of cycling through electric tri-shaw rides. Volunteers always welcome.

📞 Contact Paul Taylor (details pending)

Illawarra Ramblers

A multi-sport group that includes bike rides graded by skill level. Rides happen (weather permitting) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Fridays.

🌐 www.illawarraramblers.com.au

SWIFT – Social Women’s Intercultural Friendship Tricycling Club

Weekly inclusive rides around Lake Illawarra. All ages welcome. Trikes available if you don’t have a bike. Great for making friends and having a cuppa afterward!

🕙 Saturdays, 10am
📍 Illawarra Yacht Club, Northcliffe Dr
📧 swiftclub2@gmail.com
📞 Farhanna – 0414 844 037 | Bronwyn – 0421 607 192
📷 (Insert SWIFT photos here)

UOW Cycling Club

This student-led club repairs and donates unused bikes through their Give-a-Bike initiative—reducing waste and promoting active transport.

📍 Location: Bike Base, Building 29, UOW (location TBC)
📧 uowcyclingclub@gmail.com

Join IBUG Today!

Cycling isn’t just an activity—it’s a lifestyle that promotes wellness, freedom, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or returning to the saddle, IBUG is here to support you. Come along to a social ride, join our Bicycle Buddies program, or attend one of our events. Let’s build a more inclusive cycling culture, one ride at a time.

Together, we ride. Together, we thrive!