Cycling in Melbourne

• see also:
  • geography, travel and leisure main index
  • websites:
    • Victorian bike paths

General cycling rules:

• general advice:
  • wear a helmet (this is law)
  • ensure adequate sun protection
  • ensure your seat height is appropriate to limit excess bending and stress on the knees
  • wear cycling shorts (knicks) to minimise skin irritation as these don't bunch up & rub against your buttocks
  • carry a water bottle & ensure you maintain adequate fluid intake
  • let someone know your intended route and when you expect to be back
  • don't wear headphones as you need to hear what's going on around you
  • carry identification, money and mobile phone in case of emergency 
• riding on shared paths:
  • beware of unleashed dogs
  • ride at a speed which you can safely stop
  • give way to pedestrians
  • move off the path when stopped
  • on segregated footways, stay on the side marked for cyclists' use
  • cyclists can only use footpaths if under 12yrs age or as an adult accompanying someone under 12yrs age
• riding in traffic:
  • you are crazy, check your disability & life insurance!
  • obey all road rules, they apply the same to cyclists as they do motorists
  • where possible ride in marked bike lanes
  • beware of cars using bike lanes to turn into side streets
  • ride 1m from the kerb or parked cars
  • use hand signals when turning
• riding at night:
  • bikes must have a front white light & a rear red light that can be seen 200m away & a rear red reflector
  • cyclists can improve their visibility with extra reflectors & light coloured & reflective clothing
• in the wet:
  • watch out for slippery surfaces such as grates, tram tracks, esp. when turning
  • remember your braking distance will be longer
  • beware of puddles which could be deeper than they seem
  • gently squeeze your brakes before stopping to clear water off the rims
• in winter:
  • dress in plain, bright colours - yellow, green, white or orange are best
  • consider clothing with reflective strips
  • wear layered clothes so you can take them off as you warm up
  • carry a wind/water-proof jacket just in case
  • try using long lycra leggings to wear over short cycling knicks or under normal shorts
• long distance riding:
  • proper training is essential - gradually increase distances
  • when training, wear clothes you intend to take on the ride
  • special touring & cycling shoes that clip into the pedals can help improve your efficiency
  • cycling shorts have a padded crotch to take up some of the road shock & help prevent chaffing
  • pedalling in high gear for long periods can affect your knee joints

Melbourne metropolitan bike paths:

• Western suburbs:
  • start from Telstra Dome along Footscray Rd then fork at the Western loop section with each taking you to the Western Ring Rd in opposite directions:
    • northwards:
      • cross Footscray Rd at lights then follow Moonee Ponds Creek, passing under Flemington Bridge at the start of City Link, which is then followed past Mooney Valley Racecourse where the creek & bike path temporarily leave the City link before rejoining it at Reynard St (Woodland St), then leaves the City Link again to pass north alongside Pascoe Vale Rd briefly before continuing along the creek through Lebanon Reserve then Boeing Reserve, cross over the creek to its east side, pass through Kingsford Smith Ulm Reserve and eventually reaching the Western Ring Rd bike path.
      • One can optionally continue northwest along the creek to pass Westmeadows Shopping Village then finishing at Woodlands Historic Park near Tullamarine Airport.
      •  Alternatively by turning west along the Western Ring Rd bike path you will pass Westfield Shoppingtown at Airport West and cross under the Calder Freeway to get to Brimbank Park in Keilor (see below).
    • westwards:
      • ride west along Footscray Rd turn north immediately on crossing the Maribyrnong River which is then followed past Flemington Racecourse, Pipemaker's Park, up steep hills to Steel Ck, past the Canning St Tea Gardens and then continue on to Brimbank Park in Keilor (see above).
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