Bicycle Network: Where to Ride

If distances you need to travel are too great, combining cycling with public transport can get you there. This page has information on parking your bike at train stations and public transport hubs, as well as taking your bike with you.

Trains

Why not ride to your local train station instead of taking the car. You can either leave your bike at the station or take it with you on the train so that you can easily and quickly ride from your destination train station to your actual destination.

Bicycles increase the accessibility of trains to many more Victorians.

Unlike many Europeans few Australia's link their bike and train journeys. European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Holland and Switzerland have made travel with your bike on trains and to train stations very comfortable and convenient.

For example, many stations are easily accessible by bicycle routes where secure bike parking facilities can be found, most trains are equipped to accommodate bikes in carriages often with special bike racks to keep bikes from encroaching on passenger space. Bike rental facilities at stations are not uncommon.

If bundled together trains and bikes can make your commute very reliable and comfortable.

Many Melbournians are not aware that you can take your bike on any metro train for free, that's right you don't have to buy a ticket for your bike. See link (right) to 'Travelling with your bike' for tips and info for taking your bike on metro trains.

Bike parking at train stations in general

Whilst we encourage you to ride your bike to the station, we don't want to give you the false impression that leaving your bike at your local train station is without risk. Theft and vandalism of bikes at train stations is not uncommon, in fact train stations are where many bikes are stolen. By securing your bike properly the chances of theft will be significantly reduced.

Things to consider when choosing to lock your bike at the station:

1. Are there bike lockers?
2. Is there a bike cage?
3. Is the station staffed?

Bike lockers and cages offer a higher level of security for your bike. Bicycle Network Victoria has been working with the Department of Transport to get free undercover bike parking cages at stations across Victoria. See our Parkiteer bike cage page to find out which stations have a cage.

We wouldn't advise you ride your flash new bike to the station unless you have two top quality locks (at least one of these should be a U lock) or access to a bike locker or cage. Make sure that your bike is locked to an immoveable object, preferably a bike-parking rail. Lock both of your wheels and frame to the parking rail and take your helmet with you. Please see our information page on locking your bike for more tips and advice.

Also see pages on Parkiteer bike cages and bike lockers.

Buses - Doncaster interchange

Twenty bicycle lockers are available for people catching a bus from the Doncaster Park'N'Ride. The interchange is located next to the Koonung Trail that paralells the Eastern Fwy (Melway 46 K1).

The interchange has an air conditioned waiting room, staffed info booth, toilets and change room and secure bicycle lockers. All bus routes that pass by call in at the interchange.