View source for Cycling in Melbourne

{{Short description|Transport by bicycle in Melbourne, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2011}}
[[File:Tram in Melbourne, Australia.jpg|thumb|right|A cyclist rides side by side with a [[Trams in Melbourne|Melbourne tram]] on [[Swanston Street]].]]
[[File:Copenhagen Style Bike Lane.jpg|thumb|One of the few so-called [[Segregated cycle facilities|"Copenhagen" cycle lanes]] in Melbourne]]

'''[[Cycling]] in [[Melbourne]]''' is an important mode of transport, fitness, sport and recreation in many parts of the city. After a period of significant decline through the mid to late 20th century, additional infrastructure investment, changing transport preferences and increasing [[Traffic congestion|congestion]] has resulted in a resurgence in the popularity of cycling for transport.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rider numbers flat across country while Melbourne rises |url=https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/newsroom/2023/05/10/super-tuesday-results-show-post-covid-commuting-on-the-rise/ |website=Bicycle Network |access-date=4 December 2023 |date=10 May 2023}}</ref> This is assisted by Melbourne's natural characteristics of relatively flat [[topography]] and generally mild [[climate]].

Despite an active cycling culture and an extensive network of off-road paths through some parts of the suburbs, Melbourne lacks the on-road cycling facilities that feature in many comparable cities in [[Europe]] and [[North America]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=Stephanie Chalkley-Rhoden|title=Melbourne is not the world's most liveable city, Canadian expert says|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-17/melbourne-not-worlds-most-liveable-city-vancouver-planner-says/8815514|website=[[ABC News (Australia)]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=17 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=View |first1=The Age's |title=Melbourne left trailing in cycling revolution |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-left-trailing-in-cycling-revolution-20230914-p5e4pe.html |access-date=4 December 2023 |work=The Age |date=15 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Cycling infrastructure expenditure remains low compared to other cities<ref>{{cite web|author1=Adam Carey|title=Melbourne's cycling-friendly reputation on the line as bike budgets go flat|url=https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbournes-cyclingfriendly-reputation-on-the-line-as-bike-budgets-go-flat-20160629-gpuahk.html|website=[[The Age]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=29 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Colleen Hartland |author-link=Colleen Hartland |title=Maribyrnong must lift its game on bike spending |url=https://greens.org.au/news/vic/maribyrnong-must-lift-its-game-bike-spending |website=[[Australian Greens Victoria]] |access-date=14 November 2017 |date=7 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714132919/https://greens.org.au/news/vic/maribyrnong-must-lift-its-game-bike-spending |archive-date=14 July 2017 }}</ref> and well below international recommendations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Urgent investment needed in walking and cycling infrastructure to save millions of lives and combat climate change |url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/urgent-investment-needed-walking-and-cycling-infrastructure-save#:~:text=In%20Global%20Outlook%20on%20Walking,ten%20per%20cent%20a%20year. |website=UN Environment |publisher=UN Environment Program (UNEP) |access-date=4 December 2023 |language=en |date=5 October 2017}}</ref> The introduction of [[Bicycle helmets in Australia|mandatory helmet legislation]] (MHL) in Victoria in the early 1990s, the first such legislation in the developed world, may have further exacerbated the decline in cycling's popularity.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Robinson |first1=D. L. |title=Bicycle helmet legislation: Can we reach a consensus? |journal=Accident Analysis & Prevention |date=1 January 2007 |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=86–93 |doi=10.1016/j.aap.2006.06.007 |pmid=16919590 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457506001126 |access-date=4 December 2023 |issn=0001-4575|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rissel |first1=Chris |title=Make helmets optional to double the number of cyclists in Australia |url=https://theconversation.com/make-helmets-optional-to-double-the-number-of-cyclists-in-australia-4578 |website=The Conversation |access-date=4 December 2023 |date=7 December 2011}}</ref> Cycling's transport [[modal share]] accounts for less than 2% of all trips throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area,<ref>{{cite web|title=Trends in journey to work mode shares in Australian cities to 2016 (first edition)|url=https://chartingtransport.com/2017/10/24/trends-in-journey-to-work-mode-shares-in-australian-cities-to-2016/|website=Charting Transport|access-date=13 November 2017|date=24 October 2017}}</ref> though bicycles comprised 16% of all morning peak-hour commuter vehicles entering the [[Melbourne central business district|CBD]] in March 2017 – up from 9% in March 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annual vehicle and bicycle counts – March 2017|url=http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/sitecollectiondocuments/annual-bicycle-count-march-2017.pdf|website=[[City of Melbourne]]|access-date=13 November 2017}}</ref>

==History==
===19th century===
[[File:Cycling in Melbourne 1895.jpg|thumb|Sunday cyclists in Melbourne in 1895]]
During the worldwide [[Bike boom#1890s|bike boom]] of the 1890s, cycling was seen an exciting new option for transport taken up eagerly by many people. The craze for cycling in the 1890s is portrayed in the poem ''[[Mulga Bill's Bicycle]]'' by Australian poet [[Banjo Paterson]], and many other ballads from the time. For women at the time, cycling provided the opportunity of more freedom and being able to wear less restrictive clothing, or [[Victorian dress reform|rational dress]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Wily Wheelwomen of the 1890s |url=http://www.takver.com/history/bike1890.htm |website=Takver's Initiatives |access-date=14 November 2017 |date=30 April 1999}}</ref>

Cycling clubs and societies were established in the 1880s and 1890s. In 1885, the Victorian Cyclists Union (VCU) was active, and the League of Victorian Wheelmen (LVW) was formed in 1893.<ref name="mv-lvw">{{cite web|title=League of Victorian Wheelmen|url=https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2189|website=Museums Victoria Collections|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> Various notables of the era were members, such as [[University of Melbourne]] Professor of Engineering [[William Charles Kernot]] who was vice-president of the LVW for a time.<ref name="mv-lvw" />

In the 1890s, cycle races like the [[Austral Wheel Race]], and later the [[Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic]], were very popular forms of entertainment, drawing crowds of many thousands. The first women's road race in Victoria occurred in Melbourne on Saturday 16 May 1896 on a hilly {{convert|11|mi|adj=on}} course through the northern suburbs of Northcote, Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, Alphington and Clifton Hill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://comecyclingwithme.com/?p=3322|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908175933/http://comecyclingwithme.com/?p=3322|archive-date=8 September 2009|title=113th Anniversary of First Victorian Women's Road Race Celebrated}}</ref>

===20th century===
Cycling provided an enduring activity for ordinary Melburnians until falling automobile prices and growing consumer affluence saw increasing numbers switch over to the car in the 1940s and 1950s. Up until the 1940s the bicycle was an important commuter vehicle for many Melbourne people. Post war affluence saw a decline in cycle commuting, and the bicycle was largely relegated to a children's or teenager's activity or for sporting or recreational use.

====1970s====
[[File:Keith_Dunstan.jpg|thumb|[[Keith Dunstan]], first president of [[Bicycle Network|Bicycle Institute of Victoria]], on his bicycle in [[Flinders Street, Melbourne]] in the 1970s]]
It was not until the 1970s that cycle commuting and cycle touring started being widely promoted and used again. Prominent in bicycle advocacy in Melbourne in the 1970s and 1980s was journalist and author [[Keith Dunstan]].

From the 1970s onwards, cycling in Melbourne and the rest of Victoria was stimulated by a number of factors:

* The establishment of the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club<ref>{{cite web|title=Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club|url=https://www.mbtc.org.au/|website=Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> (MBTC) in October 1973. The MBTC aims to promote cycle touring and a healthy, active lifestyle. It has a fundamental commitment to public transport, making extensive use of the [[V/Line|country]] and [[Railways in Melbourne|suburban]] train networks to get to and from the rides it runs.
* The ''Bicycle Institute of Victoria'' (later known as ''Bicycle Victoria'', and now gone nationwide and known as [[Bicycle Network]]) started in 1975 with its first president being Keith Dunstan, as a broad appeal membership organisation to campaign for improved facilities and recognition of cyclists. {{As of|2017}}, Bicycle Network had grown to 50,000 members across Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/membership/ |website=[[Bicycle Network]] |title=Membership |date=10 April 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017 }}</ref>
* Innovative supported tours by [[Friends of the Earth]] to [[Canberra]] to protest [[uranium]] mining – the FoE Rides Against Uranium – in 1975, 1976, and 1977.<ref>{{cite web| title=Cycling for a Nuclear free future – Remembering the FoE Rides against Uranium| url=http://www.takver.com/history/cycle_antiuranium.htm| website=Takver's Initiatives|access-date=14 November 2017| date=5 April 2007}}</ref>
* Australia's first bicycle plan instituted in the late 1970s in [[Geelong]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geelongtouringcyclists.com |title=History of the Geelong Touring Cyclists |author=Greg Allerton |access-date=14 November 2017 }}</ref>
* Growing general environmental awareness of pollution, negative impact of automobiles, and protest at the construction of inner city freeways.

====1980s====
In the 1980s, the first triple chainring, or [[Bicycle gearing#Half-step plus granny gearing|granny gears]], bicycles started being sold. Ron Shepherd, an engineer and founding member of the MBTC and [[Bicycle Network|Bicycle Institute of Victoria]] relentlessly promoted use of triple cranks to promote cycle touring among a wider audience.

In 1984, [[Bicycle Network|Bicycle Institute of Victoria]] organised the first [[Great Victorian Bike Ride]] with 2,100 participants, commonly regarded as the largest single touring bike ride in the world at that time.

====1990s====
In 1990, [[Bicycle Network|Bicycle Victoria]] organised the launching of its first local government-based bicycle advocacy affiliates, the so-called [[Bicycle User Group]]s (BUGs), in Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moreland BUG homepage|url=https://www.morelandbug.org|website=Moreland BUG|access-date=15 November 2017}}</ref> {{As of|2017}}, these BUGs are still going strong, but often no longer closely affiliated with Bicycle Victoria (Bicycle Network).

In July 1990, [[Bicycle helmet laws|mandatory helmet laws]] were first introduced in Victoria, the first state in Australia to do so. Victoria's mandatory helmet laws have been the matter of intense debate, both locally and internationally, over the years ([[#Effects of cycle helmet legislation|see below]]).

In 1993, Bicycle Victoria launched the inaugural {{convert|210|km|mi|abbr=on}} [[Around the Bay in a Day]] ride around [[Port Phillip Bay]]. This event, which in 2006 attracted more than 14,000 participants, is still held every October.<ref>{{cite web|title=Two heart attacks at Vic cycling event|url=https://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Two-heart-attacks-at-Vic-cycling-event/2006/10/15/1160850805613.html|website=[[The Age]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=15 October 2006}}</ref>

Also in 1993, Melbourne's first dedicated on-street bike lanes were installed on [[St Kilda Road]], a {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} long tree-lined boulevard leading into the CBD.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Clay Lucas|title=Euro-style bike lanes plan for city|url=https://www.theage.com.au/news/national/eurostyle-bike-lanes-plan-for-city/2006/09/02/1156817151269.html|website=[[The Age]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=3 September 2006}}</ref> The St Kilda Rd bike lanes have routinely been the object of severe safety criticism, mainly for forcing cyclists to ride in the [[Dooring|door zone]] of parked cars.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Adam Carey|title=Government opens the door to new bike lanes on St Kilda Road|url=https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/government-opens-the-door-to-new-bike-lanes-on-st-kilda-road-20150828-gja8sm.html|website=[[The Age]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=30 August 2015}}</ref>

In 1994, Bicycle Victoria inaugurated Australia's first ''[[National Ride to Work Day|Ride2Work Day]]''. Ride to Work Day has now spread nationwide.

In November 1995, the first [[Melbourne Critical Mass]] was held. This has become a popular regular event with cyclists meeting in front of the [[State Library of Victoria]] at 5.30&nbsp;pm on the last Friday of every month to ride around the city in safety as one mass. They are accompanied on a regular basis by [[Victoria Police]]'s Bicycle Squad. Generally the police do not interfere in the event but act to facilitate its smooth movement to reduce any obstruction and to calm the antagonism of some car drivers.

===21st century===
[[File:Melbourne bicycle journeys to work abscensus19962021.png|thumb|Trips to work made by bicycle between 1996 and 2021 in Greater Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web |title=Census Australian Bureau of Statistics |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census |website=www.abs.gov.au |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |access-date=4 December 2023 |language=en |date=10 March 2023}}</ref>]]
In 2004, the [[Royal Automobile Club of Victoria]] (RACV) introduced a ''Bike Assist'' membership option, to assist cyclists with punctures or basic repairs.<ref>{{cite web|title=RACV Bike Assist - Roadside Assistance For Your Bike|url=https://www.racv.com.au/on-the-road/roadside-assistance/bike-assist.html|website=[[Royal Automobile Club of Victoria]]|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref>

In 2008, regulation was introduced banning the carriage of bicycles on suburban trains during [[rush hour|peak periods]].<ref name="bike-ban">{{cite web|title=Bin the bike ban!|url=https://modernthings.org/binthebikeban/|website=Bin the bike ban!|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> However, this was rescinded several months later after an outcry from bicycle users.<ref name="bike-ban" />

In June 2010, a [[bicycle hire system]] called [[Melbourne Bike Share]] commenced operations,<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ashley Gardiner|title=Public bicycles for inner-city trips|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/public-bicycles-for-inner-city-trips/news-story/d92528cf79a7f9fa939b0e96ecbf3f65|website=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=9 December 2008}}</ref> while another, [[oBike]], launched in June 2017.

In 2014, the [[Australian Cyclists Party]] ran candidates in the [[2014 Victorian state election|Victorian state election]] in several electorates of the [[Victorian Legislative Council]] (upper house); though unsuccessful in getting into office, this is believed to be the first election contested by a dedicated party for cycling issues in the world.

[[Bicycle Network]] runs annual ''[[National Ride to Work Day|Ride2Work]]'' and ''Ride2School'' days to stimulate, with some success, cycle commuting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview > Ride2Work > Bicycle Network|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/ride2work/|website=[[Bicycle Network]]|date=10 July 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Active schools > Ride2School > Bicycle Network|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/ride2school/|website=[[Bicycle Network]]|date=30 May 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> This is assisted by the formation of many workplace Bicycle User Groups (BUGS). The success of ''Ride2Work Day'' has since seen it become a national event.

==Facilities==
===Off road===
[[File:Melbourne bike paths 1 Stevage.png|thumb|300px|The innermost part of the Melbourne bike network]] 
[[File:EastLink Trail.jpg|thumb|An off-road recreational cycling path in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne]]
{{main|Bicycle paths in Melbourne}}
The majority of Melbourne's bicycle network is located on paths that do not follow roads. These mostly follow parkland, [[Railways in Melbourne|railways]] and watercourses in a radial pattern to and from the area around the [[Melbourne central business district|Central Business District]].

Most paths are not dedicated for bicycles but instead designated as 'shared paths' that are also used by people walking, jogging or other active transport modes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Using shared paths |url=https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/pedestrian-safety/using-shared-paths |website=VicRoads |access-date=4 December 2023}}</ref>

===On road===
While some central areas have bicycle lanes and other infrastructure, most roads do not have facilities for bicycles. There is a mixture of physically protected bicycle lanes on some roads but on road bicycle infrastructure mostly consists of signs and painted lines.<ref name="theagekeycycling250823">{{cite news |last1=Hatch |first1=Patrick |title=There's a key to getting more people on bikes – but motorists hate it |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-key-to-getting-more-people-on-a-bike-that-motorists-hate-20230825-p5dzd5.html |access-date=4 December 2023 |work=The Age |date=25 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
Bicycles are prohibited from [[List of freeways in Victoria|Melbourne's freeways]], however are permitted on freeways in regional Victoria, with [[Roads in Victoria#Names and numbering|signs advising cyclists]].

Since car-based transport planning commenced in Melbourne in the 20th century, bicycle infrastructure on roads has not been implemented or done sporadically. However, since the early 2000s, policy and legislation affecting cycling in Melbourne has been increasingly directing the [[Victorian Government|state]] and [[Local government in Victoria|local governments]] to recognise cycling as a mainstream transport mode which offers significant sustainability and health benefits.<ref>Requirements to encourage and facilitate active transport including cycling are contained throughout the Act.  See, for example, the [http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/DOI/DOIElect.nsf/$UNIDS+for+Web+Display/5D177CDDE6709FEBCA2575810078D189/$FILE/VictorianCyclingStrategy.pdf Victorian Cycling Strategy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102115344/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/DOI/DOIElect.nsf/$UNIDS+for+Web+Display/5D177CDDE6709FEBCA2575810078D189/$FILE/VictorianCyclingStrategy.pdf |date=2 January 2011 }} (March 2009).  Relevant directional sections of the [[Transport Integration Act]] include sections 13(2)(c), 86(2)(b) and 120(1)(c)(i).</ref> The 2010 [[Transport Integration Act]] sets a policy framework for creating a more integrated and sustainable transport system for Victoria including Melbourne and contains features which support improved conditions for cyclists.

Despite these small improvements and policy direction, levels of cycling in Melbourne remain low, with the most common reason given for not cycling being a lack of safe on road infrastructure.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pearson |first1=Lauren |last2=Dipnall |first2=Joanna |last3=Gabbe |first3=Belinda |last4=Braaf |first4=Sandy |last5=White |first5=Shelley |last6=Backhouse |first6=Melissa |last7=Beck |first7=Ben |title=The potential for bike riding across entire cities: Quantifying spatial variation in interest in bike riding |journal=Journal of Transport & Health |date=1 March 2022 |volume=24 |article-number=101290 |doi=10.1016/j.jth.2021.101290 |issn=2214-1405|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pearson |first1=Lauren K |last2=Dipnall |first2=Joanna |last3=Gabbe |first3=Belinda |last4=Braaf |first4=Sandy |last5=White |first5=Shelley |last6=Backhouse |first6=Melissa |last7=Beck |first7=Ben |title=The potential for bike riding across entire cities: quantifying spatial variation in interest in bike riding |journal=Journal of Transport & Health |date=14 March 2021 |volume=24 |doi=10.1016/j.jth.2021.101290 |url=https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.14.21253340v3.full |access-date=4 December 2023|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="theagekeycycling250823" />

===Public transport===
Carriage of bicycles is free on all suburban and regional trains, subject to space availability. [[Folding bicycle]]s meeting specific criteria are permitted onboard trams and buses but all other bicycles are not allowed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/luggage-bikes-and-animals/bikes-and-public-transport/|title=Bikes and public transport|website=[[Public Transport Victoria]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719074123/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/luggage-bikes-and-animals/bikes-and-public-transport/|archive-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref>

Bicycle racks on two metropolitan and two regional bus routes commenced April 2016. {{As of|November 2017}}, the results from the trial have not been published but the trial has continued.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/buses/bikes-on-buses/|title=Get on board and bus your bike|website=[[Public Transport Victoria]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719073741/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/buses/bikes-on-buses/|archive-date=19 July 2016|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref>

==Bicycle share programs==
[[File:Melbournebikeshare station Macarthur St 2010.jpg|thumb|A [[Melbourne Bike Share]] station prior to their removal in 2019]]Between 2010 and 2019 the government ran the [[Melbourne Bike Share]] program, the first public [[bicycle sharing system]] in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Melbourne bike share|url=https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/traffic-and-road-use/cycling/melbourne-bike-share|website=[[VicRoads]]|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="ssootb">{{cite web|title=Share scheme out of the blocks for city cyclists|url=https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/share-scheme-out-of-the-blocks-for-city-cyclists-20100531-wrcy.html|website=Clay Lucas|access-date=14 November 2017|date=1 June 2010}}</ref> On completion the system consisted of 53 docking stations with 676 bikes situated around the Melbourne CBD. The total cost was estimated at $5.5 million over four years. The system was operated by the [[Royal Automobile Club of Victoria]] and the US firm Alta Bicycle Share, which runs bicycle share systems in four North American cities.<ref name="ssootb" /> In 2019, the Melbourne bike share program was scrapped by the [[Government of Victoria|Victorian State Government]] due to low usage, with an average of one ride per day towards the end of the program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koob |first=Simone Fox |date=2019-08-30 |title=Goodbye blue bikes: Melbourne's bike share scheme canned |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/goodbye-blue-bikes-melbourne-s-bike-share-scheme-canned-20190830-p52m9e.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> Some claimed this was due to the state's [[Bicycle helmets in Australia|mandatory helmet laws]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cyclingtips.com/2019/08/melbournes-bike-scheme-to-be-scrapped/|title=Melbourne's bike share scheme to be scrapped|date=2019-08-30|website=CyclingTips|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>

Currently Melbourne does not have a docked bicycle share program, but does have dockless [[Electric bicycle|electric bike]] and [[Motorized scooter|electric scooter]] share programs in inner-Melbourne run by private companies [[Lime (transportation company)|Lime]] and Neuron.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Council powers ahead with Lime and Neuron e-scooter trial - City of Melbourne |url=http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/Pages/Council-powers-ahead-with-Lime-and-Neuron-Mobility-e-scooter-trial.aspx |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=www.melbourne.vic.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Lessons have been learned": Fourth time lucky for bike share? |url=https://www.cbdnews.com.au/lessons-have-been-learned-fourth-time-lucky-for-bike-share |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=www.cbdnews.com.au |language=en}}</ref> The e-bikes and e-scooters can use bike lanes, are speed-restricted and can only operate within the [[City of Melbourne]], [[City of Port Phillip|City of Port Philip]] and [[City of Yarra]] local government areas.<ref name=":0" />

== Cycling as a sport ==
[[File:Hubert Opperman.jpg|thumb|Sir Hubert Opperman, known as ''Oppy'', was a competitive cyclist of international acclaim.]]

Victoria has produced many [[Cycle sport|cycling athletes]] of world renown. Sir [[Hubert Opperman]], "Oppy" (1904–1996), is perhaps the most well known and internationally recognised Australian cyclist of the 1920s and 1930s. As an Australian sportsman, his feats in cycling are compared with [[Donald Bradman|Sir Donald Bradman]] in [[cricket]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=John Hamilton|author2=Geoff Easdown|title=Goodbye to a national hero|url=https://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/apr96/oppy1.html|website=[[Cyclingnews.com]]|date=25 April 1996|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> He set the 24-hour road distance record of {{convert|505.75|mi|km|abbr=on}} in 1939; the track record for 24 hours covering {{convert|489.3|mi|km}} in 1940. He won the 1928 [[Bol d'Or cycle race|Bol D'or 24-hour race]] and the 1931 [[Paris–Brest–Paris]] {{convert|1200|km|mi|abbr=on}} marathon in record time of 49 hours 23 minutes. Many of his long-distance records stood for many years. In France and Australia he was feted as a sporting hero, with thousands attending a parade in his honour in Melbourne 1928.

Post-World War II, [[Geelong]] cyclist, [[Russell Mockridge]], was widely described as "Australia's greatest all-round cyclist for all time". Due to his upper class accent he was initially dubbed ''[[Little Lord Fauntleroy]]''; however, his race wins soon earned him the nickname of ''The Geelong Flyer''. Mockridge was killed by a bus in 1958 participating in the {{convert|225|km|mi|abbr=on}} ''Tour of Gippsland''. He was just {{convert|2.1|mi|km|abbr=on}} from the start of the race at the Dandenong Rd / Clayton Rd intersection in Melbourne.

Cycle racing continues to be popular in Melbourne with the ''[[Herald Sun Tour]],'' since 1952, bringing professional cyclists from around the world for a multi-stage race around regional Victoria and Melbourne.

{{As of|2017}}, more than 25,000 cyclists, including [[triathlete]]s and many elite riders, use Beach Road and the [[Nepean Highway]] from [[Black Rock, Victoria|Black Rock]] to [[Mount Eliza, Victoria|Mount Eliza]] on a typical weekend.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bayside locals call for permanent Beach Road truck ban|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/newsroom/2017/10/12/bayside-locals-call-for-permanent-beach-road-truck-ban/|website=[[Bicycle Network]]|access-date=14 November 2017|date=12 October 2017}}</ref> Each Saturday morning the [[Hell Ride, Melbourne|Hell Ride]], a large bunch ride leaves from Black Rock at 7&nbsp;am. It can contain up to 200 cyclists in summer months with speeds up to {{convert|60|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.  The Hell Ride is a politically contentious topic both amongst Melbourne cyclists and the broader community: most formal cycling organisations discourage their riders from participating, including [[Cycling Victoria]].{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

A large number of local cycling clubs organise amateur-level racing, with [[criterium]]s mostly held in the summer and the road racing season in the winter months. Coburg Cycling Club, based in the Melbourne northern suburb of [[Coburg, Victoria|Coburg]], is one of Australia's oldest cycling clubs. It was established as a social club in March 1896 by members of the St. Paul's church choir on [[Sydney Road]].<ref name="CoburgCC">{{cite web|title=Club History|url=https://coburgcycling.com.au/about-ccc/history/|website=Coburg Cycling Club|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> Members quickly found themselves participating in all levels of cycle sport. Many cyclists from the Coburg Cycling Club rose to prominence including [[Ivor Munro|Ivor 'Snowy' Munro]], [[Ernest Bainbridge|Ernie Bainbridge]], [[Richard Lamb|Richard 'Fatty' Lamb]], and the [[1956 Summer Olympics|1956 Olympian]] [[Dick Ploog|Richard 'Dick' Ploog]].{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

==Safety==
===Rules and regulations===
[[File:Wyndham Vale Parkiteer.jpg|thumb|Parkiteer bicycle cage at [[Wyndham Vale railway station|Wyndham Vale station]]]]
[[File:Haphazard bicycle parking, Melbourne.jpg|thumb|Melbourne's train travellers are often forced to park their bicycles any way they can. Pictured (at [[Albion railway station, Melbourne|Albion station]]) are bikes locked to bike hoops, secured in lockers, and locked haphazardly.]]
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, but some specific rules do apply.<ref>{{cite web|title=Before riding - what you need|url=https://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/riding-road|publisher=Victoria Law Foundation|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bicycles|url=https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/bicycles|website=[[VicRoads]]|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref>

====Cycling equipment====
{{update|section|date=November 2017}}
Wearing of a helmet at all times, a working [[Bicycle bell|bell]], and suitable [[Bicycle lighting|lighting]] if riding at night are enforced by law.<ref name="vicroads-rules">{{cite web|title=Safety & Road Rules > Road rules > A-Z of Road Rules > Bicycles|url=https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/bicycles|website=[[VicRoads]]|access-date=13 November 2017}}</ref>

Victoria's 1990 compulsory [[cycle helmet]] legislation was the first in the developed world, and – as with the other Australian states<ref>{{cite web|title=Cycle helmets: an international resource|url=http://www.cyclehelmets.org/mf.html|publisher=Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> – it is believed to have had a strong negative impact on cycling modal share and modal share growth and recovery in Melbourne. Surveys carried out at the same 64 observation sites in May 1990 and May 1991 detected 29% fewer adults and 42% fewer child cyclists,<ref>{{cite web|title=Bike numbers in Western Australia: government surveys|url=https://www.cycle-helmets.com/bicycle_numbers.html|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> with an overall reduction in cyclists of 36%. Further falls were recorded to May/June 1992, with teenage cycling reportedly showing a 46% decrease from pre-law levels. The limited injury reductions recorded among Melbourne cyclists did not match the actual decline in cycling. This has led some experts to the conclusion that the law has actually resulted in increased rates of injury among Melbourne's cyclists. The law has also reportedly resulted in significant police efforts against cyclists. As of 2003, [[Victoria Police]] were still issuing around 20,000 Bicycle Offence Penalty Notices a year. Since the law, cycling in Melbourne has never been able to recover its previous share of the transport split. In 1985–6, 3.4% of trips in Melbourne were by bicycle, 2004 data showed a decline to 2.0%. The experience of Melbourne's cyclists has given added impetus to the efforts of cyclists in Europe and elsewhere to resist, or repeal, such helmet laws.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

==Bicycle parking==
Bicycle theft is a problem in Melbourne.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://myboot.com.au/3000/Melbourne/graphic-chart/victoria-crime-statistic.aspx |title=Crime statistics for Victoria 2007/2008; See 2.k for bicycle theft figures |access-date=28 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830013138/http://myboot.com.au/3000/Melbourne/graphic-chart/victoria-crime-statistic.aspx |archive-date=30 August 2009 }}</ref>

Official road rules (Rule 166. Application of Part to bicycles) regarding bicycle parking appear to state that Part 12 of the Rules ("Restrictions on stopping and parking") does not apply to bicycles that are parked at bicycle rails or bicycle racks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Road Rules – Victoria|url=https://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes1999/GG1999P002.pdf|website=Victoria Government Gazette|publisher=[[Government of Victoria]]|access-date=14 November 2017|page=131|date=28 October 1999}}</ref> In practice these facilities are not always available and affixing the bike to street poles is common and does not seem to be penalised.

===Bicycle parking at railway stations===
Bicycle parking at Melbourne's train stations for what is known as [[Intermodal passenger transport#Bike-and-Ride|Bike + Ride]] travel, can be problematic. A secure bicycle parking place needs to be pre-arranged or users risk bicycle theft or vandalism by parking a bike out in the open.

{{As of|November 2017}}, secure ''Parkiteer'' [[bicycle parking station]]s are installed at 78 of Melbourne's 207 train stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parkiteer > Secure cage locations|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-services/parkiteer/locations/|website=[[Bicycle Network]]|date=30 May 2017 |access-date=13 November 2017}}</ref> Prospective users of the Parkiteer scheme must register with [[Bicycle Network]] for access to a specific Parkiteer cage and, if a vacancy is available, pay a $50 refundable deposit for an electronic [[Smart card|access card]] which enables access for that cage only.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parkiteer > Using Parkiteer|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-services/parkiteer/usingparkiteer/|website=[[Bicycle Network]]|date=10 April 2017 |access-date=15 November 2017}}</ref>

Some Melbourne train stations, including those with Parkiteers, have bike lockers which can fit a single bike in them. If a spare locker is available it can be rented for free for up to three months at a time, but a bond must be paid.<ref name="ptv-bikes">{{cite web|title=Bikes and public transport|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/luggage-bikes-and-animals/bikes-and-public-transport/|website=[[Public Transport Victoria]]|access-date=15 November 2017}}</ref>

If users have not pre-arranged access to a Parkiteer spot or to a bike locker, most train stations also have [[Bicycle parking rack|bicycle hoops]] or something similar, but often there are not enough hoops available and train travellers are forced to lock their bikes to railings, signposts, fences, or other fixed objects.<ref name="ptv-bikes" />

== Organisations and groups ==
{{inc-transport|date=October 2021}}

* [[Bicycle Network]] – a self-funded health promotion charity, owned collectively by all of its members. Bicycle Network works to build more [[cycling infrastructure]], organises their popular "Great Rides", co-ordinates programs such as Ride2Work and Ride2School and provide practical and legal information to achieve their aim of "More People Cycling More Often". Members receive benefits that include crash cover and support, ''Ride On'' a bi-monthly full-colour magazine, and help Bicycle Network to advocate for improved riding conditions for all bike riders.
* [https://www.cycle.org.au Australian Cycle Alliance] – an Australia-wide [[cycling advocacy]] group founded in Melbourne.
* There are many [[Bicycle User Group]]s around the Melbourne metropolitan area, usually located in, and committed to working in, a single [[Local Government Areas of Victoria|local government area]] or other locality.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cam.bicyclenetwork.com.au/find/club/ |title=Search for your local Bike Club or Bicycle User Group |website=[[Bicycle Network]] |access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref>
* [[Melbourne Critical Mass]]
* The Bike Shed at [[CERES Community Environment Park|CERES]] teach bike maintenance.

==See also==
{{stack|{{Portal|Australia}}}}
*[[Cycling in Geelong]] 
*[[Cycling in Victoria]]
*[[Cycling in Australia]]
*[[Cycling Victoria]] - the peak governing body for organised competitive and recreational cycling within Victoria

{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

===Government sites===
*[https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/traffic-and-road-use/cycling Cycling information] at [[VicRoads]]
**[https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/formsandpublications/traffic-and-road-use/principalbicyclenetworkandbicyclepriorityroutesfactsheet.pdf?la=en the Principal Bicycle Network (PBN)]
**[https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/cyclist-safety Cyclist safety laws and advice]
* [http://economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/transport/cycling-and-walking/cycling/cycling-projects/cycling-strategy Victorian Cycling Strategy] – an overview from Victoria's Department of Transport

===Non-government sites===
*[https://www.bigyak.net.au/trails/biketrails.html Open Cycle Map and other maps combined]
*[https://www.bikepaths.com.au Bike paths guide]
*[https://www.mbtc.org.au/ Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061112014346/http://www.bikely.com/listpaths/country/14/region/1/srchkey/ Melbourne bike routes @ bikely.com]
*[http://www.bicycles.net.au Bicycles Network Australia] – cycling discussion forums
*[http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=17495 Westgate Punt] at onlymelbourne.com.au
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160205215215/http://www.thebikeshed.org.au/ The BikeShed at CERES] – The BikeShed is a volunteer on-site group at [[CERES Community Environment Park|CERES]] in the Melbourne suburb of [[Brunswick East]]. The BikeShed's aim is to promote cycling in the local community by teaching people how to fix their own bikes. They also sell 2nd-hand bikes which the buyer fixes with their assistance and tools.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100707030609/http://bicyclingaustralia.com/wheretoride Where to Ride Melbourne cycling guide books]

{{Cycling in Melbourne and Victoria |state=autocollapse}}

{{Cycling in different countries and cities}}
{{Bicycle Trails in Melbourne}}
{{Rail Trails of Victoria}}

[[Category:Cycling in Melbourne| ]]
[[Category:Cycling by populated place|Melbourne]]