While a teenager, Patterson won every Victorian and Australian title between 1,000 metres and ten miles (16.1 km).

In 1951 he won the Manchester Wheelers' Club Muratti Cup beating the British Sprint Champion, Alan Bannister, by almost a length.

Patterson teamed with Russell Mockridge and Reginald Arnold to win the Paris six-day race in 1955.

Sid Patterson was sponsored by Malvern Star, founded by Sir Bruce Small.

The first was won by Tommy Nankervis, who was introduced to the sport after meeting Patterson at a bike shop.