The
Melbourne Bike Share created and operated by the RACV was a smart decision, and just makes one of the world's most liveable cities that much more liveable, and affordable; yet more enjoyable for all of us. Our amazing city was designed for us to ride bikes, so why not make the most of this great service?
If you are seeking a great and unique alternative to walking around the CBD and the inner city areas, and perhaps you also want a break from commuting on trams while getting some valuable exercise; then hiring a bike from one of the many dedicated bike
stations scattered around the CBD and inner Melbourne is a smart decision on your end. It is a legal requirement to wear a helmet while bike riding in Melbourne. Helmets are available to purchase for only $5 at selected 7-Eleven outlets, or there is a dedicated blue Melbourne vending machine at Southern Cross Station at Spencer Street across the road from the
Vibe Savoy Hotel where you can also purchase a helmet for the same price.
It is bliss to hire a bike with Melbourne Bike Share from either Bourke Street near William Street in the City, or at Spencer Street outside Southern Cross Station near Little Collins Street, and you will be at South Wharf and the Yarra in no time. Keep riding to the
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and then turn right so you're riding on the trail that takes you to
DFO South Wharf and beyond.
The bridge connecting you to Docklands is also a great ride, and then ride back and continue along the Yarra and you feel like the world is truly your oyster in that moment. Once you get past Southgate, be careful of construction going on in the Arts Centre precinct and dismount till you go underneath St Kilda Road to land yourself in Alexandra Gardens, and continue till you get to a bridge in Richmond near the
Hisense Arena, and cycle back to the City, and you will get some view of the
Royal Botanic Gardens and
Rod Laver Arena as you finish off your journey at
Federation Sqaure. Depending on your bike riding skills, one took almost an hour to do this trek, and it only costed $4.50. Melbourne Bike Share take a $50 bond, and thus take this authorisation off your credit card upon successful return of your hired bike. Always request print outs of the code to rent and return a bike, and don't lose this copy until you have returned your rented bike to any of the Melbourne Bike Share stations. Annual subscriptions are available for $50, otherwise a short trip will only set you back $2.50. Further information is available by clicking
here.
You will need to know how to ride a bike, and please remember to take this at your own pace. Enjoy the ride.
