Cadel Evans finds Sydney too intimidating for cycling

Former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans says he doesn’t ride his bike in Sydney because the city is too threatening for cyclists.

Evans, 39, who retired from professional cycling last year and lives in Victoria, visited Sydney this week to promote his autobiography The Art of Cycling.

The former world champion said he supported efforts by the City of Sydney to build cycle paths but felt the city’s streets are too hazardous for bikers.

“I’m not intimidated to ride in many places but Sydney is one of them,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Evans declared a lack of respect from the city’s road users was the biggest problem. He said they showed a “lack of respect” and sometimes “aggression” while travelling.

In comparison Melbourne riders received greater sympathy, he said. 

However, Evans praised the efforts of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to make the city more bike friendly despite its narrow streets, high traffic volume and distance from the CBD to good riding areas.

“The mayor is doing a fantastic job. She’s doing what’s possible but she has a lot of obstacles.”