Cycling routes safe for families and beginners

Templestowe Council added 8 kilometres of new painted cycle lanes and traffic-calmed crossings in four parks last month.

Interest in outdoor activity has risen sharply since the start of winter school holidays, with families seeking low-cost ways to stay active without indoor gym fees. The routes connect residential streets to green spaces and avoid steep hills or busy roads that deter first-time cyclists.

Routes through Templestowe Park and Ruffey Creek

The main family loop begins at the southern entrance to Templestowe Park on Porter Street, where a 2.8-kilometre flat circuit runs beside the creek and past the playground. A second option starts at the car park near the Templestowe Sports Complex on High Street and follows a 3.5-kilometre path that links to the Manningham Trail extension. Both sections carry speed-limit signs of 15 kilometres per hour and include rest benches every 800 metres.

Council records show family cycling participation increased 25 per cent between March and June 2026 after the new markings and wayfinding signs were installed. The routes remain open at no charge and are maintained by the Templestowe Parks Maintenance team, which inspects surfaces each Monday.

Practical steps for first rides

Parents can collect free route maps at the Templestowe Library on Anderson Street or download them from the council website before heading out. Helmets are compulsory for riders under 18, and local bike shops on James Street offer a $25 safety check that includes light installation and tyre pressure adjustment. Riders should begin on weekday mornings before 10am to avoid peak dog-walking times on the paths.

The council plans to add lighting along the Porter Street section by September, allowing evening use during daylight-saving months. Families can track updates through the weekly Templestowe Active newsletter or by calling the parks office directly.