wellness
Exploring Ringwood: Cycling Routes Safe for Families and Beginners
From the Dandenong Creek Trail to Ringwood Lake Park, accessible cycling options are bringing locals together for healthier, safer rides.
How we reported this
More Ringwood families are taking to two wheels as new and improved cycling routes open up safer ways to get outdoors and active together. The recent upgrades along the Dandenong Creek Trail and local parks have sparked an uptick in weekend family rides, according to cycling club organisers and council updates.
Interest in gentle outdoor fitness activities has surged, with locals citing a desire for low-impact exercise and concerns about road safety. With younger children and beginners in mind, parents and trainers are steering away from busy main roads and seeking out accessible paths through green spaces. The push for inclusive recreation coincides with ongoing council projects to improve active transport across the Maroondah municipality.
Where to Ride: From Lake Park to the Creek Corridor
Ringwood Lake Park stands out as a top spot for those seeking safe, scenic circuits. The sealed path around the central lake-accessible from Maroondah Highway-offers a flat, traffic-free ride suitable for beginner cyclists and primary school-age children. Adjacent playgrounds and picnic areas make it an easy choice for families making a half-day of it.
For those wanting a longer ride without venturing onto roadways, the Dandenong Creek Trail is Ringwood’s most popular corridor. This shared-use path stretches through Ringwood North, East and out toward Bayswater North, providing nearly 7km of largely flat, tree-lined riding. Entry points at Heatherdale Road in Heatherdale and Mullum Mullum Reserve mean families can choose their distance and level of challenge. The trail is managed by Maroondah City Council in partnership with Parks Victoria, which recently resurfaced a 1.3km section near the Ringwood Golf Course.
Smaller children and those on training wheels often gravitate to Croydon Town Park, just beyond the East Ringwood boundary, where a gently looping asphalt circuit avoids the hazards of cars and curbs. Cycling group Wheel Women East occasionally runs beginner skills sessions here, focused on family and women riders new to cycling together.
Safety, Numbers and Getting Started
Council transport data from 2025 indicates that cycling participation in Ringwood rose 21% compared to pre-pandemic years, with the largest growth in family and recreational riders. More than 600 locals participated in last spring’s Ride2School Day, according to Maroondah Council’s Active Maroondah program. Helmets remain mandatory for all ages under Victorian law, and local bike shops such as Ventou Cycleworks offer fitting services and family discount packages starting from $125 for youth helmets and lights sets.
Car parks at Ringwood Lake and Mullum Mullum Reserve can fill quickly on sunny weekends, so locals recommend arriving before 10am or opting for weekday afternoons. Maroondah City Council libraries also loan out cycling safety kits to Maroondah residents-with hi-vis vests, basic repair gear, and route maps-free for up to one week.
For families ready to explore Ringwood’s gentle cycleways, a simple scan of the Maroondah City Council’s trail maps online or a visit to local community centres will reveal dozens of options. Beginners are encouraged to check surface conditions after wet weather, review safety guidelines, and try group rides organised by Wheel Women East or local community Facebook groups. As council upgrades continue, Ringwood looks set to remain on the move with more safe, accessible routes for all ages.