Melbourne cyclists are in for a small but meaningful upgrade to city living, with Merri-bek City Council rolling out a European-style solution to one of biking’s most persistent problems, which is where to actually store the thing.
A kerbside fix for a common problem
In a first for Australia, the council has installed a residential “cycle hangar” on Elm Grove in Coburg, just near the Civic Centre—essentially a kerbside locker that securely stores up to six bikes, with more units are already in the pipeline.
The idea may be pretty simple, but it addresses a genuine barrier. For many inner-city residents, especially apartment dwellers, storing a bike can be inconvenient, and sometimes, a dealbreaker when purchasing one.
Carrying a heavy bike (or e-bike) up stairs, squeezing it into a hallway, or leaving it exposed outside isn’t exactly an invitation to ride more often.
“Many building developments do not provide bike parking for residents,” Merri-bek City Council said. “Apartments and houses may lack yard space, and hoisting a bike up stairs can be completely inaccessible for many.
How the new cycle hangars work
Registered users can access the street-based hangars—also known as velo boxes—through allocated spaces and keys. Council has set the annual fee at $48.10 per bike, roughly in line with a residential parking permit, to ensure riders actively use the spaces.
However, access is limited for now. Residents need to register their interest through the council, with spots allocated based on demand, location suitability and whether applicants have other storage options available.
It’s a model that’s already proven its worth overseas. London, often held up as a benchmark for urban cycling infrastructure, now has more than 40,000 of these secure residential bike spaces, according to Transport for London, with demand continuing to outstrip supply.
Merri-bek Mayor Nat Abboud is among the early adopters, using the Coburg hangar to store her mayoral e-bike as part of the trial. “I look forward to the results of this ‘proof of concept’ bike hangar, as we work towards our long-term vision of a safer, more sustainable and accessible transport system,” she said.
What’s the catch?
Moreover, as the new program rolls out, there are a few caveats. Because the hangars lack a power connection, the council won’t monitor them with CCTV or accept responsibility for theft or damage, meaning riders may need to seek private insurance for added peace of mind.
Still, for cyclists who’ve been wedging bikes into living rooms or hauling them up narrow stairwells, the appeal is obvious. And if the London model is anything to go by, these unassuming street-side lockers could quickly become some of the most in-demand real estate in the neighbourhood.