The State Government has added more routes where buses have racks for bicycles across the Bendigo region.
Riders 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.
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 first trialed bike racks on several services in Melbourne and regional locations 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.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said: "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.”
The Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said: "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.”
For more information, visit ptv.vic.gov.au/busyourbike.