Bikes on Buses
Skip to 'Using the Rack' section of this page
On Monday, 11 April 2016 Moreland Bus, Whitmores Bus Lines and South Coast Bus commenced operation of a 12 month trial of bike racks on buses. The front mounted bike racks can be found on four bus routes across Victoria as part of the trial, making public transport more accessible for bike riders and bike riding more accessible for public transport users.
The bike racks will be available on all buses servicing Route 510 (Essendon to Ivanhoe) and Route 512 (Strathmore to East Coburg) in metropolitan Melbourne, Route 70 in Bendigo (Bendigo Station to Strathfieldsaye), and the Cowes to Anderson to Wonthaggi route in South Gippsland.
The trial is being strongly supported at the local level by the City of Moreland, City of Bendigo, City of Moonee Valley, City of Darebin, City of Banyule and the Bass Coast Shire.
Purpose of the trial
Bike racks on buses is not a new concept. The system has been in place across Europe, Canada, the US and South America since the 1990s. Bike racks on buses have been in operation in Canberra since 2005, with over 95% of the fleet to be fitted with racks by the end of 2016.
The purpose of the trial in Victoria is to raise community awareness of the opportunity to combine cycling with public transport use and ensure that the bike rack system can operate safely and efficiently on our road network.
The trial is being overseen by a working group that includes Bus Operators, BusVic, VicRoads, Councils, PTV, TSV, and bicycle user groups. During the 12 month trial, the bus operators will monitor and report to the government through the working group against a number of performance measures that will inform the overall success of the trial. These performance measures include:
- Number of users
- Overall passenger numbers along the route
- Route journey travel time
- Incidents associated with the operation of the bike rack
- On-road vehicle performance
Trial Outcome
The bikes on buses trial operated from April 2016 until May 2017. A final report was provided to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads through PTV and VicRoads. The trial showed that bike racks can operate safely on Victorian roads and the system provides a greater catchment area for buses, particularly in regional Victoria. Whilst the State Government reviewed the final report, operators were allowed to continue the operation of their services under permit. The Government advised in October 2018 that they would proceed with the broader rollout of Bikes on Buses across Victoria. BusVic and PTV are working on a multi-year rollout strategy commencing in 2019.
Using the rack
Racks are fitted to the front of the bus and are safe, secure and easy to use. Bike racks can only fit two bikes at a time and are available on a first-come first served basis, so allow extra time for your journey. Before the bus arrives, ensure that any attached items (bottles, pumps etc.) have been removed from your bike. Your bike must not have any front mounted accessories or objects that will obstruct the driver’s view.
Only two-wheel, single-seat bikes with a wheel size between 50cm (20”) and 73cm (29”) and up to a 111cm (44”) wheel base can be loaded. Bikes must weigh less than 25 kilograms. Melbourne Bike Share bikes can be carried on the rack.
Please note: Children aged 13 or under must be assisted by an adult to load and unload the bike from the rack.
Loading the bike rack
Follow these easy steps to load your bike:
- Hail the bus and get permission from the driver to load your bike
- a) Squeeze the latch handle to unlock the rack, b) fold it down.
- Lift the bike onto the rack and push the bike as far forward as possible.
- Raise the bar so it sits locked over the wheel against the bike's frame.
Unloading the bike rack
Follow these easy steps to remove your bike:
- Pull on the spring-loaded bar to release it and lower it off the wheel.
- Lift your bike out of the rack, towards the kerb.
- If the rack is empty, squeeze the latch handle and fold the rack back into place.
- Once on the kerb indicate to the driver that you're clear.
An instructional video is available on the following link:
Downloadable information guides can be found on the PTV website:
https://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PDFs/projects/PTV_BusYourBike_User-Guide_2016.pdf
For more information on the trial, route details and feedback opportunities please access the PTV website:
https://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/buses/bikes-on-buses/
