Cyclists can soon bring their bicycles when travelling on local bus routes in Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Heathcote, thanks to the extension of the Andrews Labor Government's Bikes on Buses initiative.
In a win for locals and tourists, bike racks will be installed on all buses travelling 14 local routes in Bendigo, the Bendigo to Heathcote route and all buses travelling six local routes in Castlemaine.
Bikes can be safely secured on racks at the front of the bus, which will hold two at a time, while all operators and bus drivers on the routes will complete training to assist passengers in bringing their two-wheel rides on board.
The newly introduced feature will provide cyclists with additional transport options throughout the region and offer more accessible connections to popular local recreational trails, including the Castlemaine-Maldon Rail Trail, The Goldfields Track, O'Keefe Rail Trail and Bendigo Creek Trail.
The Department of Transport trialled bike racks on several services statewide in 2016, including the route 70 service from Bendigo Station to Strathfieldsaye, with the Government later committing to a broader rollout.
The program has been delivered in partnership with the Bus Association Victoria, providing technical and administrative support with all participating bus operators members of the association.
The bike racks are expected to be installed on buses from early 2022.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
"We're extending the Bikes on Buses initiative to make public transport more accessible for more cyclists in the Bendigo and Castlemaine region."
"Whether it's riding to work or exploring one of the region's bike trails, Bikes on Buses will better connect cyclists to their destination."
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"Whether its opening new stations, getting on with the Bendigo Echuca Line upgrade or getting bikes on buses, we're making public transport in Bendigo more accessible and giving locals more choices."
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"Bikes on Buses will give cyclists more options when choosing a route to reach their destination - all while delivering convenient access to the Castlemaine-Maldon Rail Trail, The Goldfields Track, O'Keefe Rail Trail and Bendigo Creek Trail."
Reviewed 01 February 2022