Sunday, March 7, 2010

It's not just about the city. This is Melbourne.






This is a series of still photos i took along Beach Road between Brighton and Beaumaris one Sunday morning in Melbourne.

Each weekend Melbourne's cycling culture springs to life as people set out to enjoy the amazing views from the bike paths along the beach all the way to Frankston.
The cycling culture of these south eastern suburbs that border the bay ties in with the upper class lifestyle of the people who live in the area.

The Bayside and Kingston City Councils have put in alot of effort to produce such an accesible area for cyclists. People of all ages and ability use the extensive path both for fitness and socialising. Parks and lookouts line the bike path for the children who join in on the weekend family rides, and coastal paths provide access to hidden picnic areas and the beautiful bays and rockpools in the area. Even people who dont have bikes can enjoy the path. Not only is the path shared with pedestrians who like to walk along the route, there are a number of cycle hire shops that rent out to the sight-seers who are visiting the area.

Both the Sandringham and Frankston train lines feed the Beach Road suburbs with a number of stations less than 250m from the beach. The bike path provides a quick and easy route to both train lines and a quick commute to the city.

Every weekend morning beach road is lined with fluro lycra patterns, with groups of over 50 cyclists at once being the norm. It doesnt just stop at on the road either, most cafes in the area have bike racks and outdoor seating for the cyclists to have their social coffee after their ride.

The bike path in this area has added so much to the lifestyle of the people who live in the area or visit. It promotes health and fitness for all ages, socializing and sustainability.

There is no question about it: The cycling culture has planted its roots around Melbourne... but what can we do to help it grow across the CBD?

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