Victorian Bike Trails

Bicycle Network chief Craig Richards said some routes including the Moonee Ponds Creek trail Maribyrnong River Trail and Gardiners Creek trail had experienced an increase of up to 300 per cent in cycle traffic during the initial lockdown.

On your bike there's plenty to see

COOPED up Melburnians are being urged to ride their way through the latest lockdown by taking in some of the city's most scenic bike trails within the restricted zone - through gumtrees billabongs and along bluestone bridges.

Melbourne's winter chill doesn't mean you can't get out and exercise during the COVID-19 lockdown with a range of walking and riding trails spread across metropolitan parks and reserves.

Enthusiastic bicyclist Sean Watson said going for a ride was one of the few outlets available for families during the lockdown.

"It is especially important to maintain physical exercise and wellbeing and cycling provides that opportunity for our family" Mr Watson said.

"We are very fortunate to have easy access to the vast network of bike trails in this great city of Melbourne."

While many people embrace stay-at-home hobbies such as baking and board games a study by the Bicycle Network found there had been a big increase in weekend riders on popular trails in April compared to November 2019.

Bicycle Network chief Craig Richards said some routes including the Moonee Ponds Creek trail Maribyrnong River Trail and Gardiners Creek trail had experienced an increase of up to 300 per cent in cycle traffic during the initial lockdown.

"Melburnians rediscovered the joy freedom and stress relief of bike riding during the first lockdown" Mr Richards said.

"If you're ever feeling stressed or anxious about the world then heading out for a ride can be very helpful.

"It's easy to combat the cooler weather when going for a bike ride - all you need to do is layer up and maybe wear a pair of gloves to keep your fingers warm.

"There's a Norwegian saying that translates to there's no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes - if Norwegians can ride when it's minus 15 we can ride when it's 15."

Lockdown 2.0 comes with new rules on where you can and can't go during the next six weeks.

Those living in metropolitan Melbourne are unable to leave the restricted zone but can leave home within the restricted zone to partake in exercise.

Victorian Bike Trails

LILYDALE TO WARBURTON RAIL TRAIL

Travelling through the Yarra Valley between the Dandenong Ranges and the Great Dividing Ranges. Start the scenic route at Lilydale station and follow the railway to Warburton. TRAVEL One way 38km DIFFICULTY Easy

CAPITAL CITY TRAIL

Travelling past some of Melbourne's main attractions it follows the Yarra River east towards Docklands or travel east along the main Yarra trail through urban bushlands to Dights Falls. TRAVEL Loop 29.6km DIFFICULTY Easy

MARIBYRNONG RIVER TRAIL

Starting and finishing in Southbank follow the Maribyrnong River through the inner west suburbs past the historic Polly Woodside ship Pipemakers Park and the Lily Street lookout. TRAVEL Loop 25km DIFFICULTY Easy to medium

MERRI CREEK TRAIL

Winding along Merri Creek the trail begins at Dights Falls in Yarra Bend Park and onto Melbourne's northern suburbs to the Western Ring Road trail passing the Abbotsford Convent precinct and CERES community park. TRAVEL One way 21km DIFFICULTY Easy

DANDENONG CREEK TRAIL AND EASTLINK TRAIL

The EastLink trail forms Melbourne's longest sealed bike path using existing paths to take riders from Carrum through wetlands parks and bushland through to the city centre. Winding through the Mullum Mullum valley the path heads south to join the Dandenong Creek Trail. TRAVEL One way 49km DIFFICULTY Intermediate

GARDINERS CREEK TRAIL

This popular commuter path runs between Melbourne's southeastern suburbs and the city centre. Connecting with the Capital City Trail the return trip begins at Heyington station in Toorak following Gardiners Creek through parkland to Blackburn train station. TRAVEL One way 17km DIFFICULTY Easy

MAIN YARRA TRAIL

Starting in Southbank this follows the riverside path away from the city passing gum trees to Templestowe ending at the start of the Mullum Mullum Creek trail. Note the path between Cremorne rail bridge and Punt Rd bridge closed for removal works. TRAVEL One way 33km DIFFICULTY Easy to medium

MULLUM MULLUM TRAIL

Appealing to nature lovers this trail is abundant with natural flora and opportunities to bird watch see frogs in wetlands and spot the occasional koala. For a longer circuit the Koonung Trail and Main Yarra Trail at Templestowe can be connected. TRAVEL Loop 18.5km DIFFICULTY Easy

PLENTY RIVER TRAIL

Starting north of the Western Ring Road in Greensborough this trail covers a range of landscapes from towering eucalyptus trees to landscaped parklands. Passes through art installations to the historic bluestone bridge at the Heidelberg Road finish. TRAVEL One way 12.3km DIFFICULTY Medium

THE BAY TRAIL

Starting along the foreshore from Head Street Brighton this seaside route passes gardens playgrounds heritage beach boxes up to Red Bluff to take in the view of Half Moon Bay before ending in Beaumaris. TRAVEL One way 17km DIFFICULTY Easy

HALLAM VALLEY TRAIL

Winding through Casey's recreational shared footpaths this track is located among native wetlands and passes local landmarks. Start the trail at Oaktree Drive Narre Warren and end in Berwick. For a longer ride connect to the Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren with Sweeney Reserve in Berwick. TRAVEL Loop 10km DIFFICULTY Easy

DAREBIN CREEK TRAIL

Darebin Creek Trail is a 27km track that runs from Main Yarra Trail (Kew) to Bundoora.

This article is from the July 11 issue of The Herald Sun Digital Edition. To subscribe visit https://www.heraldsun.com.au/.