Cycling Tips

Whether you're a regular cyclist or an infrequent rider, here are a few things you might like to consider before you next hop on your bike.

Insurance and Assistance

Even if you normally only ride within a few kilometres of your home, it's worth thinking about what would happen if you had a breakdown or were involved in an accident. Some available options are:

• Bicycle Network Membership: membership of Bicycle Network gives you comprehensive bike riding insurance, riders' rights and legal support, and the knowledge that you're helping an organisation that advocates for better cycling conditions around Australia.
• Bicycle Network Rider Rescue: This will help get you and your bike home (or to a safe place) if you’ve had a mechanical breakdown, injury or you simply can’t go on. It's valid across all of Australia. 
• RACV Bike Assist: This is similar to the Bicycle Network Rider Rescue package. You should compare them closely to see which seems better for your circumstances.
• Ambulance Victoria Membership: Ambulance charges range from $1,265 (metro) to $26,852 (helicopter rescue). If you're not certain that you have ambulance cover provided through a pension/concession card, private health insurance etc., Ambulance Victoria membership is recommended - it supports a good cause and costs around $50 p.a. for a single person or $100 for a family.

Road Rules

Cyclists are required to obey the same road rules as drivers, plus some additional bicycle-specific rules. The VicRoads A-Z of cycling defines the road laws, including those for bikes, as well as providing many useful additional tips. VicRoads also lists road laws for other Australian states.

Cycling Etiquette

In addition to following the road laws, there are a few simple basics to help make your cycling a safe, pleasurable experience. If stopping, turning or slowing down, it's important to signal. Whenever you stop, always move off the path so you're not obstructing other riders or pedestrians. 

• Four Types of Communication: Your bell isn't the only way to communicate with other road users!
• Ride with Confidence: Some excellent tips on good strategies for riding safely.
• Group Riding Basics: Some useful tips for riding in groups. Some of these tips are specifically for peloton riders, but most also apply to our more social Nomads group rides.

Cycling Routes

• VicRoads Bicycle and walking route maps: there's an absolute gold mine of maps here for cycling, walking or catching public transport in Metropolitan Melbourne, Regional Victoria and beyond.
• Melbourne Bike Trails: maps of Melbourne cycling routes that you can drill down into.
• Bicycle Network's Ride on Melbourne guide: the title is misleading - this contains details of some cycling escapes outside of Melbourne.