On your bike on the busses

THE president of Bike Bendigo has welcomed news that bike racks will be installed on all buses in Bendigo, as well as the Bendigo to Heathcote route.

“Any initiative that makes it easier for people to go by bike is good news,” said Nicola Dunnicliff-Wells. “What this does is it increases people’s options for getting around.

“Whether you are going out for a ride on the O’Keeffe Trail, maybe you’re riding out to Axedale or Heathcote.

“It’s a long day to ride to from Bendigo Heathcote and back, but with a bus it gives you the option to ride one way and take the bus back.

“From a tourism perspective that’s going to be very welcomed for people using the trail and for tourist operators in the region, it makes it easier to get out there on a bike when you’ve got options for getting back.”

Ms Dunnicliff-Wells said the initiative could encourage more people to use their bikes to get around.

“It’s a bit like a safety net, if you get a puncture or if it’s raining, pop your bike on the bus to get back home again,” she said.

“If you’re riding to your destination during daylight hours but it’s dark when you’re coming home, you can get on a bus.”

The bike racks, which will be located at the front of the bus can hold two bikes at a time and are expected to be installed on Bendigo buses this year by the State Government’s Department of Transport.

They come after a 2016 test run on the Bendigo Station to Strathfieldsaye route and public transport minister Ben Carroll said the initiative would benefit regular commuters and day trippers alike.

“We’re extending the Bikes on Buses initiative to make public transport more accessible for more cyclists in the Bendigo and Castlemaine region,” he said.

“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.”