Welcome to the June 2025 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on for school holiday programs, winter riding tips, a chance to WIN bike lights, local riding groups, and more. |
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of Darebin Loves Bikes, your seasonal wrap of local bike news and events. Read on for school holiday programs, winter riding tips, a chance to WIN bike lights, local riding groups, and more. |
The air might be icy right now, but there's no better time to book a spot in Darebin’s popular Free Monthly Bike Checks* program at Reservoir and Northcote. To quote a recent Northcote participant: “Even though it was raining and wet, there was a real sense of connection and community and that was so wonderful.” The program is fully booked at most times of the year, but winter is a rare opportunity to beat the crowds. Friendly bike mechanics will talk you through a 20-minute safety check of 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 Reservoir bike check with Dr Cranky’s, Reservoir Leisure Centre, 4th Sunday of the month (indoors in wet weather) *supported by Transport Victoria |
The air might be icy right now, but there's no better time to book a spot in Darebin’s popular Free Monthly Bike Checks* program at Reservoir and Northcote. To quote a recent Northcote participant: “Even though it was raining and wet, there was a real sense of connection and community and that was so wonderful.” The program is fully booked at most times of the year, but winter is a rare opportunity to beat the crowds. Friendly bike mechanics will talk you through a 20-minute safety check of 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 Reservoir bike check with Dr Cranky’s, Reservoir Leisure Centre, 4th Sunday of the month (indoors in wet weather) *supported by Transport Victoria |
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Looking for some winter riding inspiration or keen to share your own tips? Darebin parent Ruby stays on her bike year-round as it's more efficient and interesting than the alternatives. Regularly travelling between 13 and 20 km per day with a school drop off on her way to work, Ruby enjoys the endorphin buzz, connecting with nature and the seasons and being part of the community. "People smile and say hi as you ride along which makes you feel good and that you are part of a community connecting with others. It's also a great way to show the kids the change in seasons by pointing out leaves falling or flowers blooming." Ruby says it's exhilarating to ride in colder months and points out that rainy days are actually pretty rare.
Kathleen of Northcote says "I grew up in Canada so I know it’s just a matter of being prepared”. After riding to work year-round for over 20 years, Kathleen’s top tip is “keep your hands warm with flexible long-fingered gloves.' She points out that “frozen fingers aren’t just uncomfortable, they make it hard to operate your gears and brakes.” Share your own winter riding tips by emailing darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au by Monday 30 June and go in the draw to win a set of KNOG Plus Twinpack bike lights. |
Looking for some winter riding inspiration or keen to share your own tips? Darebin parent Ruby stays on her bike year-round as it's more efficient and interesting than the alternatives. Regularly travelling between 13 and 20 km per day with a school drop off on her way to work, Ruby enjoys the endorphin buzz, connecting with nature and the seasons and being part of the community. "People smile and say hi as you ride along which makes you feel good and that you are part of a community connecting with others. It's also a great way to show the kids the change in seasons by pointing out leaves falling or flowers blooming." Ruby says it's exhilarating to ride in colder months and points out that rainy days are actually pretty rare.
Kathleen of Northcote says "I grew up in Canada so I know it’s just a matter of being prepared”. After riding to work year-round for over 20 years, Kathleen’s top tip is “keep your hands warm with flexible long-fingered gloves.' She points out that “frozen fingers aren’t just uncomfortable, they make it hard to operate your gears and brakes.” Share your own winter riding tips by emailing darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au by Monday 30 June and go in the draw to win a set of KNOG Plus Twinpack bike lights. |
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Have a bike in your garage, standing lonely, forlorn and forgotten, just getting dusty and rusty? Is that bike a quality bike shop brand such as Giant, Apollo, Specialised, Avanti or Merida? If so, please consider donating your surplus bike to Jika Jika Community Centre who will give it a second life. The team of Jika Jika Seniors Bike Shed volunteers will replace tubes, tyres, chains, brake and gear cables as required and give it to a low-income client who will put it to good use. Recipients will be offered bike confidence training as well. If you have a bike to give away, please email office@jikajika.org.au or phone 9482 5100. Pick-ups are available in the Darebin area. To find out more about Jika Jika's bike programs: jikajika.org.au/bike-program |
Have a bike in your garage, standing lonely, forlorn and forgotten, just getting dusty and rusty? Is that bike a quality bike shop brand such as Giant, Apollo, Specialised, Avanti or Merida? If so, please consider donating your surplus bike to Jika Jika Community Centre who will give it a second life. The team of Jika Jika Seniors Bike Shed volunteers will replace tubes, tyres, chains, brake and gear cables as required and give it to a low-income client who will put it to good use. Recipients will be offered bike confidence training as well. If you have a bike to give away, please email office@jikajika.org.au or phone 9482 5100. Pick-ups are available in the Darebin area. To find out more about Jika Jika's bike programs: jikajika.org.au/bike-program |
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On track for the holidays |
On track for the holidays |
AusCycling's Come and Try Track program is back these school holidays at DISC Velodrome in Thornbury. Sessions are suitable for students aged 12 or older. 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 July OR 16 July, 10am-12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $35 Bookings: 9 July OR 16 July |
AusCycling's Come and Try Track program is back these school holidays at DISC Velodrome in Thornbury. Sessions are suitable for students aged 12 or older. 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 July OR 16 July, 10am-12pm Where: DISC Velodrome, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury Cost: $35 Bookings: 9 July OR 16 July |
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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 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: Friday 18 July, 10-10.45am Where: Darebin International Sports Centre, Thornbury Cost: $29 Book now |
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 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: Friday 18 July, 10-10.45am Where: Darebin International Sports Centre, Thornbury Cost: $29 Book now |
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Looking for a local bike riding or walking group to join? Ready to explore new public transport options? Darebin's recently updated Older and Active Directory is the perfect place to start. You'll find all the inspiration and connections you need in the Transport and Exercise and Fitness sections. |
Looking for a local bike riding or walking group to join? Ready to explore new public transport options? Darebin's recently updated Older and Active Directory is the perfect place to start. You'll find all the inspiration and connections you need in the Transport and Exercise and Fitness sections. |
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Riding, walking, skating or scooting to school is a great way to start the day. And with 10 schools participating in our WOW Darebin! (Walk or Wheel Once a Week) program in Term 2, there’ve been a lot of active travellers on local streets. One active travel champion who’s doing his bit for WOW Darebin! is 10-year-old Giuseppe from William Ruthven Primary School. He’s been walking to school with his mum Sharon since prep. "What I like best about walking is that I get to talk to my mum. Sometimes I see friends on the way as well." Giuseppe walks to school in all weathers, even when it’s cold and wet. "I don’t mind. I find it fun because I usually wear my puffer vest - it keeps me warm." This term, each participating WOW Darebin! school nominated a day of the week to promote active travel. Darebin provided a facilitator and a kit of calendars, posters and newsletter stories. At the end of the 9 weeks, one class in each participating school will be awarded a Golden Boot trophy and a pizza lunch to celebrate their outstanding participation. |
Riding, walking, skating or scooting to school is a great way to start the day. And with 10 schools participating in our WOW Darebin! (Walk or Wheel Once a Week) program in Term 2, there’ve been a lot of active travellers on local streets. One active travel champion who’s doing his bit for WOW Darebin! is 10-year-old Giuseppe from William Ruthven Primary School. He’s been walking to school with his mum Sharon since prep. "What I like best about walking is that I get to talk to my mum. Sometimes I see friends on the way as well." Giuseppe walks to school in all weathers, even when it’s cold and wet. "I don’t mind. I find it fun because I usually wear my puffer vest - it keeps me warm." This term, each participating WOW Darebin! school nominated a day of the week to promote active travel. Darebin provided a facilitator and a kit of calendars, posters and newsletter stories. At the end of the 9 weeks, one class in each participating school will be awarded a Golden Boot trophy and a pizza lunch to celebrate their outstanding participation. |
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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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