While Tour de France winner Cadel Evans has described Sydney as one of the most intimidating cities in the world for cyclists, former champion sprinter Robbie McEwen is impressed by how much it has improved for riders in the past two years.

The three-time winner of the Tour's green jersey said he was once concerned by reports the city was too risky but his view changed after riding around the northern beaches and national parks and taking part in the Spring Cycle.

"If you're shown the ways to go, it's much, much better than you think": Robbie McEwen on riding in Sydney. Credit:Adam Weathered

"I was really impressed with the amount of bike paths you have from the city, particularly out to the western corridor," he said. "I had no idea it existed until we rode on it.

"I went in with the idea that 'this is going to be a battle' and I came away thinking 'if I lived out there ... I'd commute. I'd go by bike to the city.' "