Bike parking: Ian Clarke, of Bicycle Network Victoria, at the Sunbury cage. Picture: Matthew Furneaux
CYCLISTS riding to Sunbury railway station can now keep their bikes secure after the completion of a bike cage at the station under the state government's Parkiteer program.
The cage, installed as part of upgrades to the station during the rail electrification project, can hold 26 bikes. Each bike will be locked in a secure spot that can be accessed only by its allocated program participant.
A cage which can accommodate a similar number of bikes has also been installed at the renovated Diggers Rest train station. Six people have so far registered to use the cage in Sunbury; noone has done so in Diggers Rest.
Bicycle Network Victoria (BNV) figures show 1.1 million people ride their bikes in the state every week.
There are 56 Parkiteer bike cages managed by BNV across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
According to the BNV, last year the Laverton cages were the most popular in the state with more than 180 cyclists registered to use them.
Public Transport Victoria spokesman David Stockman says the cages have been a success. "Parkiteer bike cages have been successful in providing secure, convenient facilities for commuters across Victoria.
"Use of the cages has grown steadily in recent years as more people leave their cars at home and get on their bike.
"The new cages at Sunbury and Diggers Rest are the latest stage in the government's investment to help more cyclists access Victoria's rail network."
Information: bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/93690/