Victoria’s first trial of bike racks on buses will include the Cowes to Wonthaggi service, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced today.

The one year trial, which will begin in March next year, will see bike racks fitted to the front of 15 buses across metropolitan and regional bus routes in Bendigo, South East Gippsland and Moreland.

The bike racks, each capable of carrying two bikes, will enable passengers to ride to their local bus stop and take it with them on their journey.

The trial is aimed at alleviating congestion on local roads and providing an environmentally friendly transport option for Victorians.

Bikes will be secured to the racks by spring-loaded clamps. A brochure with instructions on using the bike racks will be made available to customers and online.

The trial is a joint initiative of the Bus Association of Victoria, VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“Combining a bike ride with your bus trip is an easy, environmentally friendly and healthy way to get around, and it will ease congestion our roads.”

“It will be great for locals, and for visitors to Phillip Island and elsewhere in South East Gippsland. I encourage cyclists to get on board when the trial begins in March.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the major public transport projects that Victoria needs and investigating innovative transport initiatives like bike racks on buses, to get people home safer and sooner.”