Cycling in Perth: Clubs, Routes and the Midvale SpeedDome Velodrome

Perth is one of Australia's finest cities for cycling, blessed with a flat coastal topography, a generally mild climate, and an extensive network of dedicated paths that link the beaches, parks and suburbs of the metropolitan area. The shared paths along the Swan River, through Kings Park and along the Indian Ocean coastline from Fremantle to Scarborough are among the most scenic urban cycling routes anywhere in the country. On weekend mornings these paths fill with cyclists of every level, from young families on hire bikes to seasoned road riders in full kit.

Cycling clubs in Perth cater to road, mountain, track and recreational riders, and Cycling WA is the peak body that connects clubs across the state. A search on the Cycling Australia club finder at cycling.org.au will bring up affiliated clubs near any Perth suburb. Most clubs run regular group rides on weekday mornings and weekends, with routes graded by pace and distance so that newcomers are not thrown in at the deep end. Many clubs also have social or coffee-ride groups specifically designed for those returning to the sport or riding for leisure rather than competition.

For those interested in track cycling, Perth has a genuine jewel in the Midvale SpeedDome, a covered velodrome in the Swan Valley that offers year-round track racing and training sessions. The SpeedDome hosts regular twilight races and open training sessions that welcome riders of all levels, including beginners who have never ridden a fixed-gear track bike before. Staff at the venue provide introductory guidance, and the club attached to the SpeedDome is a warm and welcoming community. Details on session times and how to get started are available through Cycling WA at cyclingwa.asn.au.

Mountain biking has also grown significantly in Perth, with purpose-built trail networks in the Darling Range to the east of the city offering technical singletrack for off-road enthusiasts. Goat Farm MTB Park and the trails around Kalamunda are popular destinations for those who prefer dirt to bitumen. Whether you want to cruise the coastal paths on a Sunday morning, test yourself in a criterium race or throw yourself down a mountain bike trail, Perth's cycling community has a welcoming spot waiting for you.

Sources: Cycling WA Cycling Australia club finder