Welcome to the Autumn 2026 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on for news of the proposed Melbourne Water Trail, school holiday programs, ways to save money, riding opportunities for all ages, and your chance to win a set of bike lights. |
Welcome to the Autumn 2026 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on for news of the proposed Melbourne Water Trail, school holiday programs, ways to save money, riding opportunities for all ages, and your chance to win a set of bike lights. |
Your thoughts on Melbourne Water Trail |
Your thoughts on Melbourne Water Trail |
Darebin City Council, Merri-bek City Council and Melbourne Water are exploring the potential to transform under-utilised land into a vibrant new walking and cycling trail. The proposed trail would use land owned by Melbourne Water between Reservoir and Coburg North. The trail would cross some major roads, and we want your insights about how to do this safely. We want to know – how can we make the trail feel safe, welcoming and enjoyable for you? We are investigating if the project is possible. Your feedback will be included in the final feasibility study. Find out more and provide your feedback by Sunday 12 April |
Darebin City Council, Merri-bek City Council and Melbourne Water are exploring the potential to transform under-utilised land into a vibrant new walking and cycling trail. The proposed trail would use land owned by Melbourne Water between Reservoir and Coburg North. The trail would cross some major roads, and we want your insights about how to do this safely. We want to know – how can we make the trail feel safe, welcoming and enjoyable for you? We are investigating if the project is possible. Your feedback will be included in the final feasibility study. Find out more and provide your feedback by Sunday 12 April |
AusCycling's popular Come and Try Track program is back these school holidays at the indoor DISC Velodrome in Thornbury. These sessions are for beginners aged 12–25 years old. Qualified track coaches will guide participants safely onto and around the track. AusCycling provides bikes and helmets, but there is also an opportunity to bring a bike to the session. Come and Try Track is a great way to try track without the commitment to purchasing an additional bike, a fun and unique activity, or to improve bike riding skills and capability. When: Wednesday 8 April OR 15 April, 10am–12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $35 |
AusCycling's popular Come and Try Track program is back these school holidays at the indoor DISC Velodrome in Thornbury. These sessions are for beginners aged 12–25 years old. Qualified track coaches will guide participants safely onto and around the track. AusCycling provides bikes and helmets, but there is also an opportunity to bring a bike to the session. Come and Try Track is a great way to try track without the commitment to purchasing an additional bike, a fun and unique activity, or to improve bike riding skills and capability. When: Wednesday 8 April OR 15 April, 10am–12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $35 |
Little Riders, Big Dreams |
Little Riders, Big Dreams |
Are your little ones ready for a fun learning adventure this holidays? Learn to Ride Australia is offering their popular Little Riders, Big Dreams bike skills sessions in the comfort of AusCycling's indoor DISC velodrome in Thornbury. Budding riders aged 3 to 9 years will enjoy a mix of games, practical riding techniques and plenty of hands-on practice. A limited number of bikes and helmets are available for use, but you're encouraged to bring your own if possible. When: Wednesday 15 April, 10am–12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury VIC 3070 Cost: $35 |
Are your little ones ready for a fun learning adventure this holidays? Learn to Ride Australia is offering their popular Little Riders, Big Dreams bike skills sessions in the comfort of AusCycling's indoor DISC velodrome in Thornbury. Budding riders aged 3 to 9 years will enjoy a mix of games, practical riding techniques and plenty of hands-on practice. A limited number of bikes and helmets are available for use, but you're encouraged to bring your own if possible. When: Wednesday 15 April, 10am–12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury VIC 3070 Cost: $35 |
Hundreds of elite, junior and recreational riders will gather at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus for the 2026 Autumn Cycling Classic this April. The event is hosted by Preston Cycling Club on behalf of Northern Combine in partnership with La Trobe University. Non-competitive recreational riders are invited to join the La Trobe Community Social Cycle at 12pm and enjoy the closed-circuit cycling course with friends and family. The first 20 riders to register and attend will receive a free coffee from House of Cards on the day and will automatically enter the draw to win a Team La Trobe prize pack, featuring two level 2 reserve tickets to a Carlton Football Club AFL home game, drink bottle, and hat. When: Saturday 18 April, 8am–2.30pm Where: La Trobe University, Jenny Graves Bus Stop (start/finish) Cost: The Community Social Cycle is free, and the Cycling Classic costs between $5-$30. |
Hundreds of elite, junior and recreational riders will gather at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus for the 2026 Autumn Cycling Classic this April. The event is hosted by Preston Cycling Club on behalf of Northern Combine in partnership with La Trobe University. Non-competitive recreational riders are invited to join the La Trobe Community Social Cycle at 12pm and enjoy the closed-circuit cycling course with friends and family. The first 20 riders to register and attend will receive a free coffee from House of Cards on the day and will automatically enter the draw to win a Team La Trobe prize pack, featuring two level 2 reserve tickets to a Carlton Football Club AFL home game, drink bottle, and hat. When: Saturday 18 April, 8am–2.30pm Where: La Trobe University, Jenny Graves Bus Stop (start/finish) Cost: The Community Social Cycle is free, and the Cycling Classic costs between $5-$30. |
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Bike checks, BBQ and crafts |
Bike checks, BBQ and crafts |
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Enjoy a free barbeque and join in the fun at the Leamington Makers Market. Get your bike checked for free by Dr Cranky's and then check out the indoor craft market with items from local, young stall holders. This event is for all ages, however if you know a young person aged 12–25 with a connection to Darebin who would like to host a free stall, they can register here. When: Saturday 18 April, 10am–1pm Where: Leamington Lounge, 73 Leamington St Reservoir Cost: Free |
Enjoy a free barbeque and join in the fun at the Leamington Makers Market. Get your bike checked for free by Dr Cranky's and then check out the indoor craft market with items from local, young stall holders. This event is for all ages, however if you know a young person aged 12–25 with a connection to Darebin who would like to host a free stall, they can register here. When: Saturday 18 April, 10am–1pm Where: Leamington Lounge, 73 Leamington St Reservoir Cost: Free |
Pair your ride with free PT |
Pair your ride with free PT |
Have you heard that ? This includes Melbourne and regional trains, trams and buses. Want to ride part of the way to work or uni? Take your bike to the station and lock it up securely in . There are Parkiteers available at the following train stations in Darebin: Bell, Keon Park, Reservoir, Preston and Thornbury. Want to take your bike with you on PT? You can take your bike, including factory built e-bikes (no converted e-bikes) on metropolitan trains. Bike racks are available on buses travelling along specific routes, and folding bikes/e-bikes are allowed on other trams and buses - |
Have you heard that ? This includes Melbourne and regional trains, trams and buses. Want to ride part of the way to work or uni? Take your bike to the station and lock it up securely in . There are Parkiteers available at the following train stations in Darebin: Bell, Keon Park, Reservoir, Preston and Thornbury. Want to take your bike with you on PT? You can take your bike, including factory built e-bikes (no converted e-bikes) on metropolitan trains. Bike racks are available on buses travelling along specific routes, and folding bikes/e-bikes are allowed on other trams and buses - |
High Street business owner Nicole Kelly has recently bought an e-bike for local trips and is loving the freedom. "It's so quick and easy to get around and parking's no longer an issue for me. Plus with fuel skyrocketing, there's never been a better time to ride a bike." Want to dig your bike out of the shed and save some money on fuel? We’ve got you covered with our popular Free Monthly Bike Checks. You’ll pick up practical tips from our friendly bike mechanics and take home a Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband to boost your visibility at night. We can also help you plan safe riding routes using our Darebin TravelSmart Maps. Upcoming Free Monthly Bike Check dates: |
High Street business owner Nicole Kelly has recently bought an e-bike for local trips and is loving the freedom. "It's so quick and easy to get around and parking's no longer an issue for me. Plus with fuel skyrocketing, there's never been a better time to ride a bike." Want to dig your bike out of the shed and save some money on fuel? We’ve got you covered with our popular Free Monthly Bike Checks. You’ll pick up practical tips from our friendly bike mechanics and take home a Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband to boost your visibility at night. We can also help you plan safe riding routes using our Darebin TravelSmart Maps. Upcoming Free Monthly Bike Check dates: |
On Friday 20 March, 19 local schools and 5600 students celebrated Ride2School Day. This year we supported Darebin’s schools with a package of prizes and giveaways for students who walked, pedalled or scooted to school. At Newlands Primary School (pictured) the annual La Vuelta De Newlands bike parade was bigger than ever, with 400 participants. Mayor Emily Dimitriadis, Councillors Ruth Jelley and Alexandra Sangster celebrated with students and families at St Mary’s Thornbury. Meanwhile Councillor Kristine Olaris represented Council at Preston South Primary School, where Ride2School Day was marked alongside Harmony Day. |
On Friday 20 March, 19 local schools and 5600 students celebrated Ride2School Day. This year we supported Darebin’s schools with a package of prizes and giveaways for students who walked, pedalled or scooted to school. At Newlands Primary School (pictured) the annual La Vuelta De Newlands bike parade was bigger than ever, with 400 participants. Mayor Emily Dimitriadis, Councillors Ruth Jelley and Alexandra Sangster celebrated with students and families at St Mary’s Thornbury. Meanwhile Councillor Kristine Olaris represented Council at Preston South Primary School, where Ride2School Day was marked alongside Harmony Day. |
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On Ride2School Day we launched the 8-week WOW Darebin! active travel program, open to all Darebin schools – deadline for school sign-up is today, Tuesday 31 March. Each participating school nominates a day of the week to promote Walking or Wheeling in Term 2. Darebin manages the program for the schools and provides calendars, posters and newsletter stories. At the end of the 8 weeks, one class in participating schools is awarded a Golden Boot trophy and a pizza lunch to celebrate their high level of participation. Is your school joining WOW Darebin! this year? |
On Ride2School Day we launched the 8-week WOW Darebin! active travel program, open to all Darebin schools – deadline for school sign-up is today, Tuesday 31 March. Each participating school nominates a day of the week to promote Walking or Wheeling in Term 2. Darebin manages the program for the schools and provides calendars, posters and newsletter stories. At the end of the 8 weeks, one class in participating schools is awarded a Golden Boot trophy and a pizza lunch to celebrate their high level of participation. Is your school joining WOW Darebin! this year? |
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For proof of the health benefits of cycling, meet George Bailey, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday on wheels. The long-time Darebin BUG (Bicycle User Group) member led a ride of 27 from Northcote to his Hadfield home. There he was joined by other past and present riders, including the most senior active member, David Durning, who’s just a few months older than George and still organises the weekly 15km social rides to Port Melbourne. George led outings on a regular basis until recently and he credits the arrival of e-bikes for extending his enjoyment of cycling. These days, he avoids wet weather and often catches the train home. He’s famous for avoiding cycling gear, including using kids’ backpacks as panniers and high-visibility work shirts rather than branded kit. George is pictured wearing an orange high-vis orange work shirt at his 90th birthday party, surrounded by fellow Darebin BUG members. |
For proof of the health benefits of cycling, meet George Bailey, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday on wheels. The long-time Darebin BUG (Bicycle User Group) member led a ride of 27 from Northcote to his Hadfield home. There he was joined by other past and present riders, including the most senior active member, David Durning, who’s just a few months older than George and still organises the weekly 15km social rides to Port Melbourne. George led outings on a regular basis until recently and he credits the arrival of e-bikes for extending his enjoyment of cycling. These days, he avoids wet weather and often catches the train home. He’s famous for avoiding cycling gear, including using kids’ backpacks as panniers and high-visibility work shirts rather than branded kit. George is pictured wearing an orange high-vis orange work shirt at his 90th birthday party, surrounded by fellow Darebin BUG members. |
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As the days get shorter, it's time to review your lights and overall visibility on the road. If you're riding at night or in low-light conditions you should have a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the back. These lights may be flashing or static and must be visible from at least 200 metres. Your bike should also have a red reflector visible from 50 metres. These are legal requirements.
Wearing high-visibility clothing at night is not a legal requirement, but it makes good sense to make yourself more visible on the road. Research has shown that it is particularly effective to wear reflective gear on moving parts of your body (such as your ankles).
Drop into a Free Monthly Bike Check event this month to collect a free Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband. |
As the days get shorter, it's time to review your lights and overall visibility on the road. If you're riding at night or in low-light conditions you should have a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the back. These lights may be flashing or static and must be visible from at least 200 metres. Your bike should also have a red reflector visible from 50 metres. These are legal requirements.
Wearing high-visibility clothing at night is not a legal requirement, but it makes good sense to make yourself more visible on the road. Research has shown that it is particularly effective to wear reflective gear on moving parts of your body (such as your ankles).
Drop into a Free Monthly Bike Check event this month to collect a free Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband. |
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We'd love to know how you go about planning your rides. Do you unfold your trusty TravelSmart Map or jump online or both? How reliable do you find the cycling information on Googlemaps? Do you have another app you prefer? Let us know how you plan your journeys to go in the draw to win a set of KNOG bike lights. |
We'd love to know how you go about planning your rides. Do you unfold your trusty TravelSmart Map or jump online or both? How reliable do you find the cycling information on Googlemaps? Do you have another app you prefer? Let us know how you plan your journeys to go in the draw to win a set of KNOG bike lights. |
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Copyright © 2026 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
274 Gower Street, Preston VIC 3072 |
Copyright © 2026 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
274 Gower Street, Preston VIC 3072 |
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