Get around Merri-bek on foot
When you walk to the shops, let local business know
Walking instead of driving to local shops is a great and simple way to reduce your transport related greenhouse gas emissions. Keep a shopping trolley and umbrella by the door so you are always ready for a quick trip to the local shops for your groceries and other essentials.
If you walked to the shops, tell local businesses. Cars are big, visible and take up a lot of space in a shopping strip. Traders tend to overestimate how many people drive and under-estimate how many people walk to the shops. By reminding shop keepers how much of their business come from walkers you can help turn local businesses into advocates for better walking facilities in local shopping strips.
What are some suggested walking paths in Merri-bek?
Merri-bek is home to some fantastic walking paths. Explore the Merri Creek trail, Moonee Ponds Creek trail and the Capital City trail on foot or bike. Find out more here.
For more walking tracks in and around Merri-bek, check out Victoria Walks.
Are there walking groups in Merri-bek?
Walking groups are casual social groups organised by local residents. They can cater to all abilities and interests including parents with prams, slow paced walking and senior citizens.
The Heart Foundation lists walking groups by suburb. You can find your closest group here or start and register your own group.
How can I get involved in promoting pedestrian-friendly travel ?
You can keep up to date with upcoming improvements to our local streets and footpaths and provide feedback to council on specific upgrades via Conversations Merri-bek.
Get around by bike
Why should I choose to ride a bike?
Riding a bike is a zero-carbon way of getting around. In addition to the environmental benefits, cycling is an excellent way to exercise and a cheap form of transport. A bike with lights and carry bags is an ideal travel option to get to work, school or the shops. Many families are looking to electric assisted cargo bikes to carry kids, do a family shopping trip and so much more. Merri-bek has so much within biking distance that many people are asking “Do I really need a car?”.
Where can I buy or repair a bike in Merri-bek?
There are a range of bike shops in Merri-bek where you can buy a new or second hand bike, repair one you already own that’s been collecting dust in the garage, or get a specific part or accessory you might need, like a helmet or bike lights. You can check out a list of local bike shops on our Love Merri-bek Buy Local map.
Where can I ride my bike in Merri-bek?
Bike riders in Merri-bek have access to an extensive network of off-road, protected or marked cycle lanes in addition to regular road routes.
To view on and off-road cycle lanes and paths, you can view this interactive Google map. Merri-bek City Council also provides a simplified map of recommended bike trails and routes with accompanying short descriptions. Bicycle Victoria also has a collection of bike trail maps covering Merri-bek and beyond.
What are the options for people with different abilities?
A conventional bike may not be suitable for people of different physical abilities. Fortunately, there are bikes as diverse as the people who ride them. Electric assist bicycles, cargo bikes, tricycles, scooter bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step through bikes are all options that may work for you. A bike shop can help you choose.
You can also check out Freedom Wheels. They offer a range of adapted cycles and NDIS support for people living with a disability, who can’t ride standard bikes. Freedom Wheels bikes all include various features which are suitable for independent riders and riders who need more assistance. There are a wide range of bikes they offer, each bike tailored to suit your needs.
Can I ride with my children?
There are many different types of bikes that have been modified to allow small children to be passengers on the same bike as adults. These can include cargo bikes, tandem bikes, child seat attachments or bike trailers. Read more about our e-cargo bike trials with local families through our Ride & Stride program.
Children and parents riding with children can sometimes ride on the footpath. You can ride on a footpath if you:
- are a child under 13
- are 13 or over and riding with a child who is under 13
- are 18 or over and riding with a young child in a child seat attached to your bicycle or you have a a child pedalling on a bike attachment connected to your bicycle
- have a medical certificate that says you have a disability that makes it difficult to ride on the road. You must follow the conditions on your medical certificate and carry a copy with you to show to police or an authorised person if asked
- are 13 or over and riding with someone who has a medical certificate that says they have a disability that makes it difficult to ride on the road.
Visit VicRoads for more information on how the road rules apply to your circumstances.
How can I make my bike ‘shopping friendly’?
It’s easy to ride to pick up groceries and other shopping items with a few simple modifications. Your local bike shop can supply and install a bike basket. For larger loads, a rack and panniers that sit on either side of the rear wheel provide carrying space for a weekly shop. For a large family shop or to carry shopping and kids, a cargo bike with built in box or crate may be the option for you.
Where can I park my bike in Merri-bek?
Merri-bek has an ever-increasing number of bike parking spaces. Bike parking is prioritised around busy shopping or recreational places in the municipality.
Secure bike parking is available at Merri-bek, Glenroy, Fawkner and Coburg train stations. These stations host Parkiteer bike cages which are managed by the Bicycle Network and are monitored 24 hours. Use of the parking facility requires an access card and security deposit. To organise access, visit the Bicycle Network Parkiteer page.
