Melbourne
Melbourne pairs a growing network of protected bike lanes with scenic riverfront trails like the 29 km Capital City Trail, plus secure parking linked to new Metro Tunnel stations.
Stolen Bikes in Melbourne
Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Melbourne — current risk: 1,243 thefts in Melbourne LGA in 2021 (reported). Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Melbourne to alert the community.
At a glance
Daily riders
unknown
Dedicated paths
27.4 km of new kerbside‑protected lanes delivered since 2020 toward a 40+ km program; extensive off‑road trails incl. Capital City Trail (~29 km).
Bike sharing stations
0
Theft risk
1,243 thefts in Melbourne LGA in 2021 (reported)
Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.
Quick map
Open Melbourne on the map
Why it’s special
Capital City Trail loop along the Yarra (just under 30 km)
Rapid rollout of kerbside‑protected lanes in the Hoddle Grid and inner suburbs
Secure “Parkiteer” cages at many train stations across metro Melbourne
Major new bike parking at Parkville (250+ spaces) and Anzac stations
Dockless e‑bike hire (Lime and others) with council‑managed parking rules
Ferry your bike across the Yarra on the Westgate Punt to link western bay trails
Safety tips
Keep left; overtake on the right and ring your bell when passing.
Cross tram tracks at a near‑right angle to avoid wheel pinch.
Use lights at night (white front/red rear, visible to 200 m) and a red rear reflector.
Expect pedestrian traffic on shared paths; slow and give way.
Watch for “dooring” on streets with parking; ride outside the door zone where possible.
Helmet use is mandatory across Victoria.
Ride like a local
Rules that matter
- Helmet required; bike must have at least one working brake and a bell/horn.
- At night/low light, use a white front light and red rear light (visible ≥200 m) and a red rear reflector.
- Obey traffic signals and signs; cyclists must stop at red lights.
- Mobile devices: do not operate a phone in your hand; only permitted for audio calls or navigation if secured in a compliant holder.
- Keep left on paths; give way to pedestrians on shared paths.
Typical fines (EUR)
Unwritten etiquette
- Be predictable: signal early and make eye contact at intersections.
- Use your bell before passing on shared paths; slow near pedestrians and dogs.
- Queue calmly at lights; don’t block pedestrian crossings or tram doors.
- Avoid riding on footpaths unless signed (children under 13 and supervising adults excepted).
- Park neatly in hoops or marked bays without blocking footways.
Security & parking
Parking like a pro
- Use the City of Melbourne’s 2,700+ on‑street bicycle hoops and marked parking areas.
- For long stays or near stations, consider Parkiteer secure cages (free to register; access via fob).
- At major destinations (e.g., universities, hospitals), look for signed bike parking rooms/hubs.
- Do not obstruct doorways, tactile paving, or accessibility ramps; follow any signed e‑bike parking bays.
Theft & lock strategy
- Use a high‑security U‑lock (D‑lock) through the frame and a fixed rack; add a secondary cable for wheels.
- Record your bike’s serial number and photos; keep receipts.
- Choose busy, well‑lit areas or staffed/secure facilities (e.g., Parkiteer).
- Consider a tracker hidden in frame/saddle and tamper‑resistant skewers.
- Report thefts promptly to Victoria Police (online/phone) and add to community registries.
Bike Garage Spotlight: Parkville Station Bicycle Parking
More than 250 spaces with new wider bike lanes and improved crossings around Grattan Street; integrated with the Metro Tunnel station serving the university–hospital precinct.
Learn more on the city site
Rent a bike
City from AU$30–40/day; road from ~AU$50/day; e‑bike ~AU$60–70/day
City • Road • E-bike
Epic day trips
Capital City Trail loop • ≈29–30 km
Flat, family‑friendly circuit along the Yarra and through inner‑city parks; ideal orientation ride linking multiple trails.
Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail via Westgate Punt • ≈23 km (Williamstown–Altona)
Ferry your bike across the Yarra, then follow bayside paths past beaches and reserves with city skyline views.
What’s next
Kerbside‑Protected Bike Lanes Program
City program delivering over 40 km of kerb‑protected lanes; 27.4 km installed by March 2024, improving CBD and inner‑suburb connections.
Metro Tunnel station precinct upgrades
New Parkville and Anzac stations add 370+ bike parks combined (250+ at Parkville; 120+ at Anzac) plus wider lanes and safer crossings, opening from 2025.
Your perfect day
Start at the river
Pick up a city bike at Blue Tongue (Batman Park) or Rentabike (Federation Square); coffee along Southbank before rolling out.
Ride the Capital City Trail
Follow the Yarra east toward Birrarung Marr and Dights Falls; practice calm flow and bells on shared paths.
Lunch + lanes
Loop back via La Trobe Street’s protected lanes; stop at Queen Victoria Market for lunch.
Iconic facility
Ride to Parkville Station to see the new 250+ space bike parking and upgraded cycling links around Grattan Street.
Sources
Bicycle Network – Bike Thefts in Victoria (2021, CSA based)
bicyclenetwork.com.au
Accessed: 2025-09-09
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Frequently asked questions
Can tourists use the public bike system?
There is no city‑run docked scheme. Visitors can use dockless e‑bikes (e.g., Lime) via smartphone app and bank card; helmets are mandatory and usually supplied with the bike. Traditional rental shops are widely available.
Where should I park overnight?
Prefer secure, access‑controlled facilities (e.g., Parkiteer cages near train stations) or indoor building bike rooms; otherwise lock to a public hoop in a well‑lit, busy area with a high‑security lock.
What are typical fines for cyclists?
Recent Victoria Police operations list ~AU$611 for illegal phone use while riding (~€343), ~AU$509 for running a red light (~€286), and ~AU$254 for no lights at night (~€143). Amounts vary with indexation.
How do I report a stolen bike?
Report to Victoria Police online/phone, provide the serial number and photos, and check local recovery channels; consider registering your bike details to aid recovery.