Welcome to the jam-packed 2025 Spring Events edition of Darebin Loves Bikes e-news. This month we launch our spring bike skills workshops, get you ready for Ride2Work Day and share school holiday suggestions including a fun competition for the kids😃! Plus there's an introduction to Darebin Bicycle User Group, a bike shed for seniors, beginners' rides, news on e-bikes and a survey about streetscape plans for High St in Preston. |
Welcome to the jam-packed 2025 Spring Events edition of Darebin Loves Bikes e-news. This month we launch our spring bike skills workshops, get you ready for Ride2Work Day and share school holiday suggestions including a fun competition for the kids😃! Plus there's an introduction to Darebin Bicycle User Group, a bike shed for seniors, beginners' rides, news on e-bikes and a survey about streetscape plans for High St in Preston. |
|
|
Meet other local bike riders and learn the practical skills you need to start riding on the road safely and with confidence. The On-road Bike Confidence training covers bike control skills and road rules with time to practise in a traffic-free area before heading out on the road. You'll leave with the confidence to start riding your bike to work, uni, your local shops or for the school drop-off! This session is run in partnership with Banyule City Council. When: Sunday 12 October, 10am–3pm (with a half-hour lunch break) Where: La Trobe University Tennis Courts, Bundoora Cost: $15-$25 Find out more and book for On-road Bike Confidence |
Meet other local bike riders and learn the practical skills you need to start riding on the road safely and with confidence. The On-road Bike Confidence training covers bike control skills and road rules with time to practise in a traffic-free area before heading out on the road. You'll leave with the confidence to start riding your bike to work, uni, your local shops or for the school drop-off! This session is run in partnership with Banyule City Council. When: Sunday 12 October, 10am–3pm (with a half-hour lunch break) Where: La Trobe University Tennis Courts, Bundoora Cost: $15-$25 Find out more and book for On-road Bike Confidence |
|
|
Basic Bike Maintenance workshops |
Basic Bike Maintenance workshops |
Learn how to give your bike some love so it's always ready to ride. Have fun as you get the low-down on bike tools and parts, how to fix a puncture, take care of your chain and much more. When: Sunday 5 October or Sunday 17 October, 1–4pm Where: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir Cost: $10-$20 Find out more and book for Basic Bike Maintenance |
Learn how to give your bike some love so it's always ready to ride. Have fun as you get the low-down on bike tools and parts, how to fix a puncture, take care of your chain and much more. When: Sunday 5 October or Sunday 17 October, 1–4pm Where: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir Cost: $10-$20 Find out more and book for Basic Bike Maintenance |
|
|
Book your free bike check |
Book your free bike check |
|
|
Enjoy the fun community vibe at Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks. 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, with recommendations for further work if necessary. When: Saturday September 20 and Saturday October 18, 12.30–3pm Where: WeCycle Bike Hub, Batman Park, Northcote When: Sunday September 21 and Sunday October 26, 12.30–3pm Where: Reservoir Leisure Centre, Reservoir Find out more and book your free bike check |
Enjoy the fun community vibe at Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks. 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, with recommendations for further work if necessary. When: Saturday September 20 and Saturday October 18, 12.30–3pm Where: WeCycle Bike Hub, Batman Park, Northcote When: Sunday September 21 and Sunday October 26, 12.30–3pm Where: Reservoir Leisure Centre, Reservoir Find out more and book your free bike check |
Explore by bike these holidays and WIN |
Explore by bike these holidays and WIN |
|
|
As we move from Guling (orchid) to Poorneet (tadpole) season, temperatures rise but the rain continues, and all manner of natural wonders await to delight your senses. There’s no better time to get the kids away from their screens and onto their bikes to ride the Darebin Creek Trail. Start by planning your journey together on a free 2025 Darebin TravelSmart Map, available from Customer Service Centres and Libraries. In the north at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, the Truth-Telling Display invites you to learn more about living Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture, and the complex history of Bundoora Park. In the south at Darebin Parklands, the Spiritual Healing Trail aims to promote emotional and spiritual wellbeing and a sense of connection to the land and waters. |
As we move from Guling (orchid) to Poorneet (tadpole) season, temperatures rise but the rain continues, and all manner of natural wonders await to delight your senses. There’s no better time to get the kids away from their screens and onto their bikes to ride the Darebin Creek Trail. Start by planning your journey together on a free 2025 Darebin TravelSmart Map, available from Customer Service Centres and Libraries. In the north at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, the Truth-Telling Display invites you to learn more about living Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture, and the complex history of Bundoora Park. In the south at Darebin Parklands, the Spiritual Healing Trail aims to promote emotional and spiritual wellbeing and a sense of connection to the land and waters. |
Bike track training sessions |
Bike track training sessions |
|
|
Learn track riding with qualified coaches at Preston Cycling Club's Saturday track training sessions. Everyone is welcome to come and try a track bike with supervision – or just to watch! When: Every Saturday, Introduction 9.30–10.30am (novices, 5 years and above), Intermediate 10-11.30am (juniors and seniors, 12 years and above) Where: TW Andrews Reserve Velodrome, Reservoir Cost: Gold coin donation Contact info@prestoncyclingclub.com for more information. |
Learn track riding with qualified coaches at Preston Cycling Club's Saturday track training sessions. Everyone is welcome to come and try a track bike with supervision – or just to watch! When: Every Saturday, Introduction 9.30–10.30am (novices, 5 years and above), Intermediate 10-11.30am (juniors and seniors, 12 years and above) Where: TW Andrews Reserve Velodrome, Reservoir Cost: Gold coin donation Contact info@prestoncyclingclub.com for more information. |
|
|
School holidays Come and Try Track |
School holidays Come and Try Track |
AusCycling's Come and Try Track program is back these school holidays at DISC Velodrome in Thornbury. Experienced instructors will guide your child through their first track ride or further develop the track skills they have built in the past. AusCycling provides bikes and helmets. When: 24 September or 1 October, 10am–12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $30 Find out more and book for Come and Try Track. |
AusCycling's Come and Try Track program is back these school holidays at DISC Velodrome in Thornbury. Experienced instructors will guide your child through their first track ride or further develop the track skills they have built in the past. AusCycling provides bikes and helmets. When: 24 September or 1 October, 10am–12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $30 Find out more and book for Come and Try Track. |
Darebin Bicycle User Group intro ride |
Darebin Bicycle User Group intro ride |
|
|
Darebin Bicycle User Group (BUG) is one of Melbourne’s most active social riding groups with weekly rides departing Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for riders with a range of riding experience.
For this introductory ride, meet members of Darebin BUG in Northcote and ride with the group to Bundoora Park Cafe. You’ll enjoy a FREE hot beverage and muffin courtesy of Darebin Council. Ride on to Coburg Lake (BYO lunch) or return to Northcote. When: Tuesday 7 October, 9.30am–1.30pm Where: Start/finish at Jika Jika Community Centre, Northcote, riding to Bundoora Park Cafe Distance: 30km return (40km if you take the Coburg Lake option) Cost: Free, including morning tea For more information see the BUG website. Book via the BUG contact page or call 03 8470 8683. |
Darebin Bicycle User Group (BUG) is one of Melbourne’s most active social riding groups with weekly rides departing Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for riders with a range of riding experience.
For this introductory ride, meet members of Darebin BUG in Northcote and ride with the group to Bundoora Park Cafe. You’ll enjoy a FREE hot beverage and muffin courtesy of Darebin Council. Ride on to Coburg Lake (BYO lunch) or return to Northcote. When: Tuesday 7 October, 9.30am–1.30pm Where: Start/finish at Jika Jika Community Centre, Northcote, riding to Bundoora Park Cafe Distance: 30km return (40km if you take the Coburg Lake option) Cost: Free, including morning tea For more information see the BUG website. Book via the BUG contact page or call 03 8470 8683. |
Darebin BUG member profile |
Darebin BUG member profile |
|
|
 |
Former Herald Sun Travel Editor Wolter Kuiper joined the Darebin Bicycle User Group (BUG) 15 years ago. "I'd been cycling to work for nearly 10 years but wanted to meet other riders and find new places to go,” he said. Wolter now pedals with the group about once a week and occasionally leads rides. This October, the day after his 70th birthday, Wolter will be welcoming new riders on the Introductory Ride to Bundoora Park featured above. It will be a relatively easy ride compared with the 70 rail trails he has been tackling to celebrate his big birthday. As the local regional representative for Rail Trails Australia, Wolter has had no trouble knocking off Victorian trails. But his quest has also involved taking on 21 South Australian trails, 10 in New South Wales and 13 in Queensland. “My favourite is probably the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail just because of the sheer scale of it (161 km), the scenery and the work that’s been put in to rebuild the old bridges,” he said. “The Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW will also be brilliant when it's finished.” |
Former Herald Sun Travel Editor Wolter Kuiper joined the Darebin Bicycle User Group (BUG) 15 years ago. "I'd been cycling to work for nearly 10 years but wanted to meet other riders and find new places to go,” he said. Wolter now pedals with the group about once a week and occasionally leads rides. This October, the day after his 70th birthday, Wolter will be welcoming new riders on the Introductory Ride to Bundoora Park featured above. It will be a relatively easy ride compared with the 70 rail trails he has been tackling to celebrate his big birthday. As the local regional representative for Rail Trails Australia, Wolter has had no trouble knocking off Victorian trails. But his quest has also involved taking on 21 South Australian trails, 10 in New South Wales and 13 in Queensland. “My favourite is probably the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail just because of the sheer scale of it (161 km), the scenery and the work that’s been put in to rebuild the old bridges,” he said. “The Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW will also be brilliant when it's finished.” |
|
|
See you at the Seniors' Bike Shed |
See you at the Seniors' Bike Shed |
Connect with fellow riders, share stories and enjoy a friendly atmosphere while tinkering with bikes at the Seniors' Bike Shed at at Jika Jika Community Centre's park location. An experienced bike mechanic will be there to assist with parts and repairs. When: First Thursday of the month, 10am–1pm Where: Jika Jika in the Park (in Oldis Gardens), 2 East Street, Northcote Cost: Free For more information, phone 03 9482 5100 or email office@jikajika.org.au |
Connect with fellow riders, share stories and enjoy a friendly atmosphere while tinkering with bikes at the Seniors' Bike Shed at at Jika Jika Community Centre's park location. An experienced bike mechanic will be there to assist with parts and repairs. When: First Thursday of the month, 10am–1pm Where: Jika Jika in the Park (in Oldis Gardens), 2 East Street, Northcote Cost: Free For more information, phone 03 9482 5100 or email office@jikajika.org.au |
|
|
Looking for social rides to join but wanting to ease in? Jika Jika Community Centre's new Beginners' Bike Ride could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. These rides are ideal for anyone who's getting back into bike riding or has recently learned to ride. The group's first ride this September was 12km return with a midway stop for coffee by the Darebin Creek. When: First Friday of the month, from 10.30am–12.30pm Where: Jika Jika Community Centre, 1B Plant Street, Northcote Cost: Free For more information, phone 03 9482 5100 or email office@jikajika.org.au |
Looking for social rides to join but wanting to ease in? Jika Jika Community Centre's new Beginners' Bike Ride could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. These rides are ideal for anyone who's getting back into bike riding or has recently learned to ride. The group's first ride this September was 12km return with a midway stop for coffee by the Darebin Creek. When: First Friday of the month, from 10.30am–12.30pm Where: Jika Jika Community Centre, 1B Plant Street, Northcote Cost: Free For more information, phone 03 9482 5100 or email office@jikajika.org.au |
|
|
Last edition we asked some tricky questions about e-bikes and directed you to the Victoria Police webpage Electric bike (e-bike) safety for the low-down on legal requirements and battery safety. Thanks for all the responses! Here are the answers for those who missed out. In Victoria, a legal e-bike has: - a maximum continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts
- motor assistance that cuts of after reaching 25km/h
- functioning pedals.
You can reduce risks of a battery fire in at least 5 ways including using the charger that was supplied with the e-bike, or a compative charger that matches the e-bike battery specifications. More battery tips here. If you're keen to learn more about e-bikes, Bicycle Network is hosting a free expo at Albert Park on Saturday 5 October. You'll be able to talk to the experts and trial everything on offer, from compact folding bikes to cargo e-bikes. |
Last edition we asked some tricky questions about e-bikes and directed you to the Victoria Police webpage Electric bike (e-bike) safety for the low-down on legal requirements and battery safety. Thanks for all the responses! Here are the answers for those who missed out. In Victoria, a legal e-bike has: - a maximum continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts
- motor assistance that cuts of after reaching 25km/h
- functioning pedals.
You can reduce risks of a battery fire in at least 5 ways including using the charger that was supplied with the e-bike, or a compative charger that matches the e-bike battery specifications. More battery tips here. If you're keen to learn more about e-bikes, Bicycle Network is hosting a free expo at Albert Park on Saturday 5 October. You'll be able to talk to the experts and trial everything on offer, from compact folding bikes to cargo e-bikes. |
|
|
Your say on High Street in Preston |
Your say on High Street in Preston |
Earlier this year, we asked the Darebin community for ideas to reimagine High Street, Preston. We’ve now developed a draft Concept Plan shaped by that feedback. It proposes safer crossings, wider footpaths, greener spaces and more places to meet and dine. Before Council makes any decisions, we want to know if we’ve got it right. Your feedback is the final step that will help transform High Street into a vibrant, welcoming space. Take a look at the draft Concept Plan and have your say by 21 September at High Street Preston Streetscape Upgrade Project. We’ll also be hosting some pop-up sessions over the next 3 weeks, so please stop by for a chat: - Saturday 13 September 11am–1pm on the1pm at Preston Market (30A Centreway)
- Thursday 18 September 5–7pm at Preston City Hall
|
Earlier this year, we asked the Darebin community for ideas to reimagine High Street, Preston. We’ve now developed a draft Concept Plan shaped by that feedback. It proposes safer crossings, wider footpaths, greener spaces and more places to meet and dine. Before Council makes any decisions, we want to know if we’ve got it right. Your feedback is the final step that will help transform High Street into a vibrant, welcoming space. Take a look at the draft Concept Plan and have your say by 21 September at High Street Preston Streetscape Upgrade Project. We’ll also be hosting some pop-up sessions over the next 3 weeks, so please stop by for a chat: - Saturday 13 September 11am–1pm on the1pm at Preston Market (30A Centreway)
- Thursday 18 September 5–7pm at Preston City Hall
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
| |
