Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Where's the best place for a cyclist to live in Melbourne?
So here's the scenario:
I'll be working in the CBD, I'm happy to commute by bike up to 10 kays to work, I don't have a car and the family is just me and my wife (so far!).
Where should I set up the workshop? (and the peripheral accompaniments such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc).
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Cory on -
I think you'll find a LOT of options in that 10km ring.
What other things do you like doing? Are you happy commuting in traffic? Rent or buy?
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Permalink Reply by Alexander Langman Hender on -
Other things? *blank face*
But seriously, I like road riding, coffee and eating good vegetarian food.I'm happy commuting in traffic. Really doesn't worry me too much but of course lower traffic is better.
And we're renting at this stage!
Cheers,
Alex
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Permalink Reply by Cory on
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There's good vego food everywhere, but StKilda and Fitzroy/Brunswick are sorta epicentres.
We live in the inner West. If find riding around is fine, provided you avoid the very highly trafficked roads (esp the ones with trucks - not that the truck drivers are bad... it's more you may be less visible). We're pretty close in though, so it's only when headed out further for some reason that I have to put up with that. We're not far from the capital city trail, so SWMBO uses that for most of her commute. Me? I'm on the road(s).
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Permalink Reply by John E. on -
The northern burbs are the place to be for inner city 'bike culture' - whatever that is - lots of cafes/fixies/retro stuff plus easy commuting on mixed roads/bike paths. West is a little harder commuting with heavier vehicles as mentioned by Cory but still with some good paths. South is close in with good access but probably more expensive to rent, but if you do lots of road riding then Beach rd is right there. East has good access on paths and along the river but some areas would be more expensive - given the choice, if you like having lots of cafes/eateries/bike shops then head North along the Merri creek axis. Road rides up to Whittlesea/Kinglake would be viable plus good access to town on the bike freeway of St Georges Rd. Good luck !
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Permalink Reply by AlexZ on -
and if you MTB, north gives you easy access to the Yarra MTB tracks, great when they are dry.
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Permalink Reply by Cory on
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Yeah, I'm probably a little more 'inner', then West ;) although, I do ride to Yarraville occasionally, and Williamnstown even less often, and Pt Cook once or twice, and...
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Permalink Reply by njptower on -
perfect summation - but i would add that many car drivers in the west enjoy scaring the living daylights out of cyclists
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Permalink Reply by Etienne de Brignell on -
Hey Alexander,
The northern suburbs are excellent for cycling due to a number of factors, mainly great infrastructure and flat terrain. There are a number of routes entering the CBD that cater for fast commuters or plodders like myself, and 10km rides are damn easy. I've been living in this area car-free for close to two decades without any problems whatsoever.
Good luck with the move.
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Permalink Reply by Alexander Langman Hender on
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Thanks for the replies so far, guys! It's been really helpful.
The next question will be which road riding group will be most welcoming to a fast fixie (with brakes!).
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Permalink Reply by David Roche on
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Alex
Bayside Melbourne has a lot of cycling on it - the Beach Road Route in which you can go as far as you want and even do 200km laps when taking the ferry.
As was said St Kilda has a number of Vege options and most resteraunts are quite comfortable with vegetarian food - but that really describes all of melbourne these days.
I was in Cafe Racer after a ride this morning with a father and son - the son just built his first single speed and had just done a 40km shakedown with the North Road Ride I think (North Road Rides go evey weekday morning - at various speeds)
For a view on fixies I suggest calling Alan T on 9836-6585 during business hours - he is a devoted fixie rider, commuter & tourer (as well as being one of the organisers or Audax) and one of our store managers. Also the guys at Diggari - including Richard Ayling are passionate about fixies and single speeds (they make them) and should be able to guide you to any groups.
Coming a while ago from elsewhere I find that msot palces in Melbourne offer a great lifestyle but Personally I would suggest Elwood to live in - but I could be accused of being biased. However if you are single (I'm not) - it might interest you that in the last census it had the highest proprotion of single women 18-35 in Victoria - and a number of these ride bikes. However, as you have your bike, this information is probably of little interest.
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Permalink Reply by Alexander Langman Hender on
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Ha ha!
Nice one. And thanks for the tips and directions. I'm a bit of a fixed audax fan myself so Alan will be a great contact.We're inspecting a house in Elwood on Friday!
Cheers all.
Alex
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