RIDES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
ONLY 40 MINS
A short, local, weekly ride exploring your neighbourhood
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. We share our local knowledge, riding experience and help build people’s confidence riding on a bike.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Our leisurely rides are ideal for new or returning cyclists easing back into some exercise. We help people who are feeling isolated, anxious, alone or just wanting to start moving more.
SAFELY EXPLORE YOUR HOOD
Explore the back streets, parks, and discover local destinations and hidden gems. Each week we choose a different but safe route.
COFFEE & SOCIAL
Our focus is on creating a social and inclusive place for people who are coming to the rides alone or with a friend of family group.
MORE ABOUT THE RIDE
Riding pace
All Neighbourly Rides are at a comfortable riding pace of 12 -14km/h (jogging pace).
Arrive
If you can allow 10 -15 minutes before we depart to allow times to introduce ourselves and answer any questions you may have.
Bring
- Plenty of smiles
- Type of bikes
- Your bike in good working condition
- Helmet (mandatory and it’s the law)
- Lights (front & rear are advisable for added visibility)
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
Preparation
- Pump up the tyres
- Oil the chain
- Take your bike for a short ride to make sure everything is working
Clothing
Comfortable clothing and shoes (runners, recreational shoes etc) and a means to avoid long pants being caught in the chain.
Weather and updates
If it’s raining at 7:00am on the day of the ride or there are hazardous weather conditions, the ride will be cancelled.
Social coffee
Join us for a coffee after the ride.
If you can't make it
We have only 20 spots available to keep the group size small. We understand if things change and you cannot make it so please let us know via SMS or email so we can make your place available to others.
General safety requirements
All riders, regardless of age, must ride a safe and roadworthy bicycle, wear a helmet in accordance with Australian road rules, and always follow the guidance of the Ride Leader and Caboose.
Neighbourly Ride reserves the right to decline participation if a rider or bicycle is considered unsuitable for the safety of the group.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG RIDERS
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, Neighbourly Ride has specific age and bicycle requirements for children and young riders.
0–7 years old
Children aged 0–7 years are not permitted to ride their own bicycles as part of a Neighbourly Ride.
However, they are welcome to attend if they are safely carried by a parent or guardian using an appropriate child seat, cargo bike, or bicycle trailer that complies with Australian safety standards.
Parents or guardians always remain fully responsible for the safety and supervision of their child.
8–14 years old
Children aged 8–14 years may participate in a Neighbourly Ride if they are confident riding independently and are able to maintain the group pace of approximately 12–15 km/h for the duration of the ride (approximately 40 minutes).
Riders in this age group must:
- ride a well-maintained bicycle suitable for riding on shared paths and local streets
- wear an approved bicycle helmet
- be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who participates in the ride
Training wheels or similar stabilising devices are not permitted.
16–17 years old
Riders aged 16–17 years may participate in a Neighbourly Ride provided they are confident riding independently and able to maintain the group pace.
Riders in this age group must:
- ride a roadworthy bicycle suitable for the route
- wear an approved bicycle helmet
- follow all instructions provided by the Ride Leader and Caboose
Neighbourly Ride may require a parent or guardian to provide consent for participation where required.
BIKE SKILLS, HIRE AND PURCHASE
Bike skills workshop
Want to get around on a bike more but need a skills or confidence boost? These series of bike skills workshops will help you learn more about your bike and how to ride safely on streets and bike paths including:
- Women on Wheels (Run by a female instructor for women wanting to build their confidence.)
- Basic Bike Maintenance (For those wanting to learn how to look after their bike.)
- Back on the Bike – for new riders wanting to develop their bike handling skills.
- Urban Cycling Confidence (for those wanting to develop their on-road riding skills)
Some local councils run free and low-cost bike programs. Check out their websites to find out more:
Bike hire
Check out the following places that provide bikes for hire:
- Velo Cycles
- Melbourne Bike Share
- Freddy’s Bike Tours & Rentals
- Cycles Galleria
Preloved bikes to purchase
If your situation means that you cannot afford purchasing a new bike from one of the many supporting bike shops there are some great Not for Profit groups providing pre loved bikes:
- WeCycles
- Back2bikes