Welcome to the August 2025 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on to go the TravelSmart way, have your say about e-bikes on public transport, stay safe this swooping season, get your free bike check, test your e-bike knowlege and WIN a prize. |
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on to go the TravelSmart way, have your say about e-bikes on public transport, stay safe this swooping season, get your free bike check, test your e-bike knowlege and WIN a prize. |
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The 2025 edition of the Darebin TravelSmart Map is here, and Preston rider Nick made sure to grab a copy hot off the press. The updated map features new off-road paths, secure railway station parking, updated bike routes, drinking fountains and much more. It's an essential resource for Darebin's active travellers. Tech entrepreneur Nick is an unlikely champion of the hard-copy map, but for him it’s a badge of pride. Nick keeps the TravelSmart Map handy at all times in the plastic orienteering pouch on the front of his bike. ‘It’s the only map with accurate information about local bike routes, and the kind of up-to-date detail you don’t get from online maps. Everyone’s intrigued to see a paper map in the smartphone era, but when I explain the local knowledge behind it, and how helpful it is, they nearly always ask me where they can get one for themselves!’ Preview the new Darebin TravelSmart Map online. You can pick up your free TravelSmart Map from local libraries, customer service centres, bike shops and community hubs. |
The 2025 edition of the Darebin TravelSmart Map is here, and Preston rider Nick made sure to grab a copy hot off the press. The updated map features new off-road paths, secure railway station parking, updated bike routes, drinking fountains and much more. It's an essential resource for Darebin's active travellers. Tech entrepreneur Nick is an unlikely champion of the hard-copy map, but for him it’s a badge of pride. Nick keeps the TravelSmart Map handy at all times in the plastic orienteering pouch on the front of his bike. ‘It’s the only map with accurate information about local bike routes, and the kind of up-to-date detail you don’t get from online maps. Everyone’s intrigued to see a paper map in the smartphone era, but when I explain the local knowledge behind it, and how helpful it is, they nearly always ask me where they can get one for themselves!’ Preview the new Darebin TravelSmart Map online. You can pick up your free TravelSmart Map from local libraries, customer service centres, bike shops and community hubs. |
Running out of puff walking to the station each morning but nervous to leave your bike there? Parkiteer bike cages provide free, secure and undercover bike parking for around 25 bikes each, and are available at select stations across Melbourne. At Darebin, we are lucky enough to have 2 new Parkiteer cages, totalling 5 along the Mernda line at Bell, Keon Park, Preston, Reservoir and Thornbury. You can find the new Parkiteers on the new 2025 Darebin TravelSmart Map. To access a Parkiteer cage, simply register at parkiteer.com.au. |
Running out of puff walking to the station each morning but nervous to leave your bike there? Parkiteer bike cages provide free, secure and undercover bike parking for around 25 bikes each, and are available at select stations across Melbourne. At Darebin, we are lucky enough to have 2 new Parkiteer cages, totalling 5 along the Mernda line at Bell, Keon Park, Preston, Reservoir and Thornbury. You can find the new Parkiteers on the new 2025 Darebin TravelSmart Map. To access a Parkiteer cage, simply register at parkiteer.com.au. |
E-bikes on public transport - have your say |
E-bikes on public transport - have your say |
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The Department of Transport and Planning wants to hear your thoughts on proposals to restrict carriage of e-bikes on public transport. It is proposed that: - E-scooters and e-bikes would no longer be allowed on trains and coaches
- Only foldable e-scooters and e-bikes would be allowed on trams and buses
- Some bus services currently allow bikes, including e-bikes, to be attached to bike racks on the outside of the bus at the front or rear – this would continue
- Other battery-powered transport devices, like e-unicycles or e-skateboards, would be banned on trains, trams, buses, and coaches
- Mobility scooters would continue to be allowed on the network
You can read more and give your feedback on the Department of Transport and Planning website by Monday 18 August. |
The Department of Transport and Planning wants to hear your thoughts on proposals to restrict carriage of e-bikes on public transport. It is proposed that: - E-scooters and e-bikes would no longer be allowed on trains and coaches
- Only foldable e-scooters and e-bikes would be allowed on trams and buses
- Some bus services currently allow bikes, including e-bikes, to be attached to bike racks on the outside of the bus at the front or rear – this would continue
- Other battery-powered transport devices, like e-unicycles or e-skateboards, would be banned on trains, trams, buses, and coaches
- Mobility scooters would continue to be allowed on the network
You can read more and give your feedback on the Department of Transport and Planning website by Monday 18 August. |
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Test your e-bike knowledge |
Test your e-bike knowledge |
How much do you know about e-bikes? E-bikes have been in the news lately with reports of battery fires and rider behaviour. Now is the perfect time to test your knowledge and find out more about the bikes that do and don’t meet legal requirements. The most common type of e-bike is an Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) where a motor provides power assistance when the rider is pedalling, and only up to 25km/h. You’ll find the current Victorian e-bike guidelines on this Victoria Police webpage: Electric bike (e-bike) safety To go in the draw to win KNOG Plus Twinpack bike lights, please answer the following questions: - Identify one modification that would disqualify an electric-powered bike from riding on public roads and road-related areas.
- Share one tip for avoiding lithium-iron battery fires.
Email your answers to darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au by Wednesday 20 August 2025. |
How much do you know about e-bikes? E-bikes have been in the news lately with reports of battery fires and rider behaviour. Now is the perfect time to test your knowledge and find out more about the bikes that do and don’t meet legal requirements. The most common type of e-bike is an Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) where a motor provides power assistance when the rider is pedalling, and only up to 25km/h. You’ll find the current Victorian e-bike guidelines on this Victoria Police webpage: Electric bike (e-bike) safety To go in the draw to win KNOG Plus Twinpack bike lights, please answer the following questions: - Identify one modification that would disqualify an electric-powered bike from riding on public roads and road-related areas.
- Share one tip for avoiding lithium-iron battery fires.
Email your answers to darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au by Wednesday 20 August 2025. |
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Introducing Tyler of Thornbury who won our June winter riding tips competition with an ode to her vintage hockey jacket. The regular year-round commuter explained “I don’t know why but some wind-proof gear is so uncomfortable and sweaty.” This changed when Tyler rediscovered this functional but charmingly retro-styled Track N Field jacket in the back of her wardrobe: “the lining inside protects me from the biting wind, while not making me feel like a sweaty mess.” So, Tyler’s advice on what to look out for in a jacket: “I think the thin cotton liner is what is the game changer. I used to cycle in sports jumper and a wind breaker, but I'd end up overheating half-way through the ride. And the wind breakers by themselves would just cling to my skin… ugh.” |
Introducing Tyler of Thornbury who won our June winter riding tips competition with an ode to her vintage hockey jacket. The regular year-round commuter explained “I don’t know why but some wind-proof gear is so uncomfortable and sweaty.” This changed when Tyler rediscovered this functional but charmingly retro-styled Track N Field jacket in the back of her wardrobe: “the lining inside protects me from the biting wind, while not making me feel like a sweaty mess.” So, Tyler’s advice on what to look out for in a jacket: “I think the thin cotton liner is what is the game changer. I used to cycle in sports jumper and a wind breaker, but I'd end up overheating half-way through the ride. And the wind breakers by themselves would just cling to my skin… ugh.” |
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Stay safe this swooping season |
Stay safe this swooping season |
Spring means more daylight to enjoy walks and rides around Darebin. It’s also a special time for our wildlife. August to October is breeding season for many local birds. Some birds swoop to protect their nests at this time. But don’t worry – you can still get out into the sunshine while giving breeding birds some space. To help you avoid swooping birds we’re putting up warning signs in recurring swooping locations. You can also check out DEECA’s Swooping Bird Map to find out which streets to avoid, and add more locations to the map to help keep your neighbours safe. |
Spring means more daylight to enjoy walks and rides around Darebin. It’s also a special time for our wildlife. August to October is breeding season for many local birds. Some birds swoop to protect their nests at this time. But don’t worry – you can still get out into the sunshine while giving breeding birds some space. To help you avoid swooping birds we’re putting up warning signs in recurring swooping locations. You can also check out DEECA’s Swooping Bird Map to find out which streets to avoid, and add more locations to the map to help keep your neighbours safe. |
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Book a spot in Darebin’s popular Free Monthly Bike Checks program at Reservoir and Northcote. Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks provide a fun learning opportunity for riders of all ages. Friendly bike mechanics will do a 20-minute safety check of your bike, talking through what they are doing and giving you tips to look after your bike. They’ll make minor adjustments and repairs, and recommendations for further work if necessary. You’ll ride away feeling more confident about your bike and your ability to look after it. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Northcote bike check with the WeCycle team, Batman Park, 3rd Saturday of the month (fully booked this month but check for future dates) Reservoir bike check with Dr Cranky’s, Reservoir Leisure Centre, 4th Sunday of the month (indoors in wet weather) |
Book a spot in Darebin’s popular Free Monthly Bike Checks program at Reservoir and Northcote. Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks provide a fun learning opportunity for riders of all ages. Friendly bike mechanics will do a 20-minute safety check of your bike, talking through what they are doing and giving you tips to look after your bike. They’ll make minor adjustments and repairs, and recommendations for further work if necessary. You’ll ride away feeling more confident about your bike and your ability to look after it. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Northcote bike check with the WeCycle team, Batman Park, 3rd Saturday of the month (fully booked this month but check for future dates) Reservoir bike check with Dr Cranky’s, Reservoir Leisure Centre, 4th Sunday of the month (indoors in wet weather) |
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Copyright © 2025 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
274 Gower Street, Preston VIC 3072 |
Copyright © 2025 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
274 Gower Street, Preston VIC 3072 |
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