The Best New Cycling and Ebike Trails in Melbourne and Surrounds

The Best New Cycling and Ebike Trails in Melbourne and Surrounds

The Guardian – Travel
The Guardian – TravelJun 7, 2026

Companies Mentioned

Why It Matters

The surge in ebike adoption and the accelerated rollout of dedicated infrastructure are reshaping urban mobility, boosting tourism, and creating new revenue streams for local businesses across Victoria.

Key Takeaways

  • Ebike sales triple early 2024 vs 2023, driven by fuel price spikes
  • Dixon Veloway 2.5 km bike‑only bridge opened Dec 2025
  • Victoria’s bike trail network exceeds 2,000 km, many new charging stations
  • Murray‑to‑Mountains rail trail got $8.5 m (≈$5.6 m USD) upgrade, adding 31 km
  • Half‑price public trains boost ebike commuting across Victoria

Pulse Analysis

Australia’s ebike market is in the midst of a boom, with sales three‑times higher in early 2024 than a year earlier. The surge reflects consumers’ reaction to record fuel prices and a growing appetite for flexible, low‑emission transport. Retailers, however, are feeling the strain as inventory lags behind demand, prompting a scramble for supply chain solutions and highlighting the need for broader dealer networks to sustain growth.

Melbourne’s government and infrastructure partners are responding with a wave of bike‑centric projects. The Dixon Veloway bridge, a 2.5 km elevated, bike‑only corridor opened in December 2025, links the western suburbs directly to the CBD, while the “green caterpillar” cable‑stayed bridge creates a seamless north‑south route. Across Victoria, more than 2,000 km of trails have been upgraded, and public‑charging points now dot libraries, cafés and dedicated stations. Notably, the Murray‑to‑Mountains rail trail received an $8.5 million (≈$5.6 million USD) enhancement, adding 31 km of safe, scenic path and modern bridges.

These developments have broader economic implications. Half‑price train tickets for the remainder of the year make it easier for commuters to combine rail travel with ebike rides, expanding the catchment area for suburban businesses and tourism operators. The improved network encourages longer recreational trips, driving spend on hospitality, bike rentals and ancillary services. As infrastructure keeps pace with demand, Victoria is poised to become a benchmark for integrated, sustainable urban mobility in Australia.

The best new cycling and ebike trails in Melbourne and surrounds

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