General News
8 May, 2026
Riordan calls for bike space on trains
MEMBER for Polwarth Richard Riordan has continued calls for improved public transport services in the south west, appealing for more space for cyclists to bring their bicycles onto V/Line train services.
The push follows Mr Riordan’s formal correspondence with Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, which saw a response indicating bicycles are not guaranteed to be able to be taken on trains.
Mr Riordan said the lack of access was a deterrent for those wishing to arrive in Camperdown to access the Port Campbell section of the Great Ocean Road as they may need to find alternative ways to get their bikes to the area.
He said the letter showed the Allan Labor Government had effectively admitted Victoria’s regional train network was unable to meet the needs of growing tourism.
“This is a clear admission that the system is not working for regional tourism,” Mr Riordan said.
“South west Victoria is one of the premier cycling destinations in Australia.
“From the Great Ocean Road to our world-class rail trails, we should be making it easier – not harder – for visitors to bring their bikes and support local businesses.”
Mr Riordan shared the correspondence with Western District Newspapers, which showed the Minister confirmed VLocity trains on the Warrnambool line provide just six designated bike spaces per service, with access determined on a first-come, first-served basis and no guarantee of availability.
“As our regional rail operator, V/Line’s primary objective is to provide a safe, reliable and accessible public transport experience for Victorians,” the letter read.
“This includes providing space for people with mobility needs and devices, people travelling with luggage, and people transporting bicycles, where possible.
“Regional train travel is more popular in Victoria than ever before, with the Allan Labor Government supporting regional Victorians with cost of living relief through the regional fare cap and, during the months of April and May this year, making public transport free.
“While the government has complemented these initiatives with the addition of more than 1000 additional V/Line services across the network, including delivering four extra weekend services after the completion of the Warrnambool line upgrade, these services are busy and there may be times where additional space for bicycles is not available.
“V/Line encourages passengers to speak to station staff or the conductor, who will determine if there is enough space for bicycles to be carried safely on each service and, if so, direct them to the best location to wait on the platform and where to store their bicycle for the duration of their journey.”
Ms Williams’ letter also stated large groups wishing to travel with their bicycles may need to seek alternative arrangements if there is high passenger demand on a service.
Mr Riordan said this created uncertainty for tourists and undermined efforts to grow the region’s visitor economy.
“Imagine planning a cycling trip to our region, booking accommodation and mapping out your journey – only to be told at the station that your bike can’t get on the train,” he said.
“That’s not good enough and it sends exactly the wrong message to visitors we are trying to attract.”
While the government has pointed to increased services and discounted fares driving higher patronage, Mr Riordan said these measures had not been matched with appropriate infrastructure or planning for tourism needs.
“The government can’t celebrate record passenger numbers on one hand, while ignoring the consequences on the other,” he said.
“Regional communities have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure to attract visitors.
“But without reliable transport options, that investment is being undermined.”
Mr Riordan called on the state government to urgently review bike capacity on regional trains and deliver practical solutions, including increased dedicated bike storage, better service planning for peak tourism periods and clearer booking options for passengers travelling with bicycles.
“Regional Victoria deserves a transport system that supports our economy, not one that holds it back,” Mr Riordan said.