Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on for school holiday programs, autumn bike workshops and events, your chance to win a bike lock, have your say on High Street, and more. |
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on for school holiday programs, autumn bike workshops and events, your chance to win a bike lock, have your say on High Street, and more. |
On Friday 21 March, 19 local schools and 5500 students celebrated Ride2School Day. This year we supported all of Darebin’s registered schools with a package of prizes and giveaways for students who walked, pedalled or scooted to school. Mayor Kristine Olaris celebrated with students and families at Reservoir Primary School (watch our Ride2School Day reel). On Ride2School Day we launched the 9-week WOW Darebin! active travel program, open to all Darebin schools – deadline for school sign-up is 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 9 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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On Friday 21 March, 19 local schools and 5500 students celebrated Ride2School Day. This year we supported all of Darebin’s registered schools with a package of prizes and giveaways for students who walked, pedalled or scooted to school. Mayor Kristine Olaris celebrated with students and families at Reservoir Primary School (watch our Ride2School Day reel). On Ride2School Day we launched the 9-week WOW Darebin! active travel program, open to all Darebin schools – deadline for school sign-up is 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 9 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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This friendly, interactive workshop covers bike control skills, road rules and journey planning. There's plenty of time to practice in a traffic-free area before heading out for a group ride on the road. You'll leave with the confidence to start riding your bike to work, uni or your local shops. Sue from Northcote participated last year and was reassured to find the facilitator was "really friendly and encouraging and took everyone at the level they were at." The group learnt "little safety tricks, like how to remain stable when you head check, and taking the lane when you go through a roundabout." - When: Sunday 27 April OR Sunday 11 May, 10am to 3pm
- Where: La Trobe University, Bundoora
- Cost: $10 - $25
Find out more and book your place.
This workshop is run in partnership with Banyule City Council. |
This friendly, interactive workshop covers bike control skills, road rules and journey planning. There's plenty of time to practice in a traffic-free area before heading out for a group ride on the road. You'll leave with the confidence to start riding your bike to work, uni or your local shops. Sue from Northcote participated last year and was reassured to find the facilitator was "really friendly and encouraging and took everyone at the level they were at." The group learnt "little safety tricks, like how to remain stable when you head check, and taking the lane when you go through a roundabout." - When: Sunday 27 April OR Sunday 11 May, 10am to 3pm
- Where: La Trobe University, Bundoora
- Cost: $10 - $25
Find out more and book your place.
This workshop is run in partnership with Banyule City Council. |
Have your say - High Street, Preston |
Have your say - High Street, Preston |
High Street Preston is a vibrant retail, entertainment and civic hub and a meeting place for the Darebin community. It is the heart of Preston. This area will face rapid population growth over the next couple of decades which will change the way High Street is used and experienced. High Street, from Bell Street to Murray Road, has also been identified as a priority for a road upgrade through our annual road rehabilitation program. This will involve a complete road reconstruction, including replacing the old road base, upgrading the kerbs, and installing new footpaths. This presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the High Street environment, and we want your ideas to reimagine what it could look like! Find out more or have your say on the High Street Streetscape Upgrade in your language until Sunday 6 April. |
High Street Preston is a vibrant retail, entertainment and civic hub and a meeting place for the Darebin community. It is the heart of Preston. This area will face rapid population growth over the next couple of decades which will change the way High Street is used and experienced. High Street, from Bell Street to Murray Road, has also been identified as a priority for a road upgrade through our annual road rehabilitation program. This will involve a complete road reconstruction, including replacing the old road base, upgrading the kerbs, and installing new footpaths. This presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the High Street environment, and we want your ideas to reimagine what it could look like! Find out more or have your say on the High Street Streetscape Upgrade in your language until Sunday 6 April. |
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How comfortable do you feel leaving your bike in public places? According to Victoria Police, there are four easy steps to protect your bike: - Use a good quality lock
- Lock your bike properly
- Make your bike identifiable
- Insure your bike
But what's the best type of lock to use? How do you lock your bike properly? How can you make your bike identifiable? What's the best way to insure your bike? Turns out, there's actually a lot to consider, and it's all covered in Bicycle Security by Victoria Police. The fifth reader to email us at darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au with something they learned from the Bicycle Security flyer will win a heavy duty OnGuard Pitbull Std 8003 U-lock. |
How comfortable do you feel leaving your bike in public places? According to Victoria Police, there are four easy steps to protect your bike: - Use a good quality lock
- Lock your bike properly
- Make your bike identifiable
- Insure your bike
But what's the best type of lock to use? How do you lock your bike properly? How can you make your bike identifiable? What's the best way to insure your bike? Turns out, there's actually a lot to consider, and it's all covered in Bicycle Security by Victoria Police. The fifth reader to email us at darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au with something they learned from the Bicycle Security flyer will win a heavy duty OnGuard Pitbull Std 8003 U-lock. |
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Planning to dig your bike out of the shed and start riding to work, uni or just for fun? Book in for one of Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks and learn more about your bike from our friendly bike mechanics. While you're there, check out our legendary Darebin TravelSmart Maps and grab a Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband to improve your visibility at night. Upcoming dates as follows: Batman Park, Northcote (with WeCycle) – Saturday 17 May (no April session due to Easter) Reservoir Leisure Centre (with Dr Cranky's) – Sunday 27 April and 25 May Find out more and book your place: Northcote or Reservoir Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks are proudly supported by the Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) |
Planning to dig your bike out of the shed and start riding to work, uni or just for fun? Book in for one of Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks and learn more about your bike from our friendly bike mechanics. While you're there, check out our legendary Darebin TravelSmart Maps and grab a Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband to improve your visibility at night. Upcoming dates as follows: Batman Park, Northcote (with WeCycle) – Saturday 17 May (no April session due to Easter) Reservoir Leisure Centre (with Dr Cranky's) – Sunday 27 April and 25 May Find out more and book your place: Northcote or Reservoir Darebin's Free Monthly Bike Checks are proudly supported by the Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) |
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Jika Jika Community Centre is exploring interest in a Youth Bike Shed program which would likely take place once a month after school at Jika in the Park (2 East Street, Northcote). The Jika Jika team would love to hear from interested young people, parents/carers and professionals working with young people to understand if this would be of interest and what the needs might be. If this interests you, please complete this quick survey and share it widely with others who might be keen. |
Jika Jika Community Centre is exploring interest in a Youth Bike Shed program which would likely take place once a month after school at Jika in the Park (2 East Street, Northcote). The Jika Jika team would love to hear from interested young people, parents/carers and professionals working with young people to understand if this would be of interest and what the needs might be. If this interests you, please complete this quick survey and share it widely with others who might be keen. |
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Jika Jika Community Centre has a number of quality refurbished bikes to give away to people who are keen to ride but do not have the resources to buy a bike. If this is you or someone you know, please get in touch with the Jika Jika team at bikestowork@jikajika.org.au or call on 9482 5100. |
Jika Jika Community Centre has a number of quality refurbished bikes to give away to people who are keen to ride but do not have the resources to buy a bike. If this is you or someone you know, please get in touch with the Jika Jika team at bikestowork@jikajika.org.au or call on 9482 5100. |
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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: Wednesday 9 April OR 16 April, 10am-12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $35 Bookings: 9 April OR 16 April |
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: Wednesday 9 April OR 16 April, 10am-12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $35 Bookings: 9 April OR 16 April |
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La Trobe Autumn Cycling Classic |
La Trobe Autumn Cycling Classic |
Hundreds of elite, junior and recreational riders will gather at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus for the 2025 Autumn Cycling Classic this April. The event is hosted by Preston Cycling Club on behalf of Northern Combine Cycling in partnership with La Trobe University. Non-competitive recreational riders are invited to join the La Trobe Community Social Cycle and enjoy the closed-circuit cycling course with friends and family.
The first 30 registrants will receive a free coffee on the day and enter the draw to win a Team La Trobe prize pack, featuring two level 2 reserve tickets to a Carlton Football Club home game, drink bottle, gym towel and hat. When: Saturday 5 April, 12 to 12.55 pm Where: La Trobe University, Jenny Graves Bus Stop Cost: free for the La Trobe Community Social Cycle Booking: La Trobe Community Social Cycle |
Hundreds of elite, junior and recreational riders will gather at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus for the 2025 Autumn Cycling Classic this April. The event is hosted by Preston Cycling Club on behalf of Northern Combine Cycling in partnership with La Trobe University. Non-competitive recreational riders are invited to join the La Trobe Community Social Cycle and enjoy the closed-circuit cycling course with friends and family.
The first 30 registrants will receive a free coffee on the day and enter the draw to win a Team La Trobe prize pack, featuring two level 2 reserve tickets to a Carlton Football Club home game, drink bottle, gym towel and hat. When: Saturday 5 April, 12 to 12.55 pm Where: La Trobe University, Jenny Graves Bus Stop Cost: free for the La Trobe Community Social Cycle Booking: La Trobe Community Social Cycle |
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Drop in to Leamington Lounge |
Drop in to Leamington Lounge |
Leamington Lounge is a fun and friendly space with free BBQ, basketball, gaming, art/craft and skateboards.Teens are invited to ride over to Leamington Lounge for a free bike check and a chance to learn more about bike maintenance these holidays. The bike mechanics from Dr Cranky’s will be there to share the knowledge. When: Wednesday 9 April, 2 to 5pm Where: Reservoir Skate Park, Leamington St Pavillion Cost: free |
Leamington Lounge is a fun and friendly space with free BBQ, basketball, gaming, art/craft and skateboards.Teens are invited to ride over to Leamington Lounge for a free bike check and a chance to learn more about bike maintenance these holidays. The bike mechanics from Dr Cranky’s will be there to share the knowledge. When: Wednesday 9 April, 2 to 5pm Where: Reservoir Skate Park, Leamington St Pavillion Cost: free |
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If you're passionate about bikes and community, the Bike Linx team is currently seeking a lead volunteer to assist with refurbishing donated bikes for the Darebin community. You’ll help with sourcing and ordering parts, maintaining a safe workspace, cataloguing parts and bikes, and engaging with the team. The commitment is at least one day per week (9.30 am to 2.30 pm) on either Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. The workshop is located at Your Community Health – Wulempuri Barring (East Reservoir). To apply for this role, email engagement@yourch.org.au or complete the Your Community Health Volunteer Application Form to learn more and register your interest. |
If you're passionate about bikes and community, the Bike Linx team is currently seeking a lead volunteer to assist with refurbishing donated bikes for the Darebin community. You’ll help with sourcing and ordering parts, maintaining a safe workspace, cataloguing parts and bikes, and engaging with the team. The commitment is at least one day per week (9.30 am to 2.30 pm) on either Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. The workshop is located at Your Community Health – Wulempuri Barring (East Reservoir). To apply for this role, email engagement@yourch.org.au or complete the Your Community Health Volunteer Application Form to learn more and register your interest. |
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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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