Road users in the state’s northeast are asked to take care on the roads as 2700 bike riders take on Bicycle Network’s Great Vic Bike Ride.
The bike riders will be enjoying the sites and experiences of riding almost 500 kilometres from Wodonga to Healesville over nine days.
Bicycle Network, along with the Victoria Police, local and state road authorities are asking local road users to be aware of the increase in bike traffic, changed traffic conditions and extended travel times.
They advise local road users to seek an alternate route where possible.
At times there will be speed reductions, the presence of traffic controllers and police.
All traffic treatments, including partial and full road closures (see below for more detail) have taken into consideration the safety of all road users.
Riders will be on roads after leaving campsites in designated towns along the route (between 6.30am and 8.30am each day) and most will arrive at their next campsite between 11am and 5pm that same day.
Bicycle Network chief executive officer Alison McCormack said road users will notice the extra bike riders in their local areas and asks them to be mindful when using the roads.
“Bicycle Network is working with local authorities including councils and Victoria Police to implement a number of changes to traffic conditions to minimise the risks for all road users,” she said.
“With 2700 bike riders, including 750 school students taking part in the event we do ask other road users to plan ahead and allow extra time if they need to travel on the route.
“We’d like to thank locals and visitors for their cooperation and patience during the event.”
It has been six years since the last Great Vic Bike Ride was held in northeast Victoria and longer since the event visited most parts of the route.
“The bike riders range from toddlers being towed in trailers to riders over 80 years old. Some will be very experienced bike riders, while others will be saddling up for their first cycle touring holiday,” Ms McCormack said.
“They will stretch along the road for up to 50kms each day.”
Road closures
The following roads will be closed due to the Great Vic Bike Ride.
Saturday 30 November
Skyline Road from Taylor Bay Road to UT Creek Road: 6.30 – 11am.
Sunday 1 December
Marysville Road from Dowdle Road to Acheron Way: 6am – 9.30am.
Maroondah Highway from Blackspur Road House to Selover’s Lookout (Healesville): 6am – 11am.
Special arrangements will be made for accommodation providers and local residents.
After starting in Wodonga on 23 November, overnight stops are in Myrtleford (24), Wangaratta (two nights with a loop ride, 25 and 26), Mansfield (two nights and a rest day, 27 and 28), Alexandra (29) and Marysville (30).
It will finish on 1 December after 501 kms in Healesville with a rare opportunity to ride the picturesque Black Spur car-free.
The 2024 Great Vic Bike Ride is supported by Wodonga Council, Rural City of Wangaratta, Alpine Shire Council, Mansfield Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council and Yarra Ranges Council.
