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                    Cycling lanes and routes

                    Cyclist in green bike lane at Swanston Street / Flinders Street intersection
                    The City of Melbourne’s cycling network has over 135 km of on- and off-road routes. We are investing in new and upgraded bike paths, lanes and routes to improve connections and safety for all cyclists.

                    ​​​We are also partnering with the Victorian Government to fast-track the delivery of 40 kilometres of protected bike lanes to help people travel safely and support city businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

                    On this page:


                    Where to ride

                    The City of Melbourne TravelSmart map provides a comprehensive guide to on-road and off-road cycling routes and facilities in the City of Melbourne.

                    Major on-road cycling routes include Royal Parade, Canning Street, Rathdowne Street, Swanston Street, Albert Street, La Trobe Street, Exhibition Street and St Kilda Road.

                    Off-road routes include the Yarra River Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, Maribyrnong River Trail, Dynon Road, Footscray Road and Harbour Esplanade.

                    Capital City Trail (PDF 354 KB)  is a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians, which circles the Melbourne city centre and some inner eastern and northern suburbs of Melbourne. It is 29 km in length, and mostly consists of sections of other trails, such as the Merri Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail.

                    Metro Tunnel Project – changes to cycling routes

                    Construction of the Metro Tunnel Project will see changes to the transport network, including access to cycling lanes. To avoid impacts or delays, you may need to consider changing your cycling route.

                    View a map of changes to the cycling network or subscribe to the Metro Tunnel newsletter to find out more.

                    For more details on road/path closures and works that may impact cycling routes, see: 


                    A bike rider's guide to road rules in Victoria

                    Whether you are a first time rider, a regular commuter or ride with your family, knowing the road rules will help you avoid collisions and share the roads responsibly.

                    Find out about the essential rules in the guide: Bike Law: A bike rider's guide to road rules in Victoria.


                    Building a cycling city

                    The City of Melbourne is committed to becoming a cycling city, with a safe and connected bicycle network for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

                    Through our Bicycle Plan we are investing in new and upgraded bicycle routes, complementing the 135 kilometres of on- and off-road routes.

                    Bike lanes strengthen the connections and make it safer for people to cycle throughout Melbourne. Routes and paths with increased separation from traffic and parked vehicles make it easier to get around and improve connections to the city’s existing network of bike routes.

                    We work with the community and stakeholders on the designs of new bike lanes. Design options are based on research into road use and safety, traffic congestion and bike volumes, and strengthening links to popular destinations.


                    Bike lane design guidelines

                    Bicycle lane designs have been evolving rapidly in recent years, in response to higher participation rates, community needs and expectations, and a greater emphasis on improving the safety and experience of on-road bike riding for cyclists of all abilities.

                    City of Melbourne’s Bike Lane Design Guidelines provide a design guideline for a number of on-road bike facilities.


                    Keeping our bike lanes clear

                    City of Melbourne parking officers patrol our bike lanes daily, which are typically No Stopping areas during peak times. It’s an offence to stop a vehicle in a No Stopping area for any length of time – even to quickly drop off a passenger – and fines are issued on the spot to drivers.

                    If you’re concerned about a particular location, you can request a parking officer to attend or keep a closer eye on the area.

                    If a bike lane or path requires cleaning or maintenance, you can report it online.


                    More information

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