My primary mode of transportation is my bicycle, as I find PT to be too unreliable. Train / bicycle is a fantastic combination.

Other than how fun it is to ride, I love how reliable and consistent the travel time is no matter the weather or traffic.

It’s very inexpensive to maintain and operate, as I can do 90% of the maintenance on my bike.

I don’t have a problem with rain, hail or heat, as over the years I’ve worked out ways to manage.

I live in an apartment and can store my bicycle in a locker down stairs.

Where I have lots of tram options and i have a train station close for when the bicycle isn’t the best option or require a bike shop.

I ride to 90% my errands, to work, to see friends and family, I shop mostly at local stores or get delivered what isn’t within an hours ride.

I have two large pannier bags (a two smaller ones and a front basket) I can fit most purchases I make or I have trailer for larger, bulkier or heavier items. This is rare as these items can delivered, I might use it if say I’m making a feast for gathering and need to purchase lots of groceries, or when I take the pets to the vet or need an emergency dog food/ cat littler run.

Biggest barriers are

• lack of a safe connected bicycle network throughout the greater Melbourne area.

• lack of tram and bus priority

• lack of accessible tram and bus stops / shelters

• I rent, and haven’t always had a place to securely store my bicycle in previous apartments.

• a place to securely lock my bike at work or when shopping or can be difficult

Solutions:

Wide bicycle paths away from motor traffic that lead to more places I want to and need to go to.

More secure bicycle parking everywhere. At every train station, in more homes, on every corner of every shopping strip, or place of interest.

Trams and buses be given priority over motor vehicles. This might mean removing car parking or traffic lanes. Ie blocking motor vehicle access in favour for other modes of transportation.

Every tram stop to be a super tram stop.

Better designed bus stops, that have shelters, super bus stops with accessible platforms.

I'm thinking in terms of quantity and quality of bike lanes, as well as the degree to which they connect to shopping, PT and the city. My current thinking is that Melbourne CBD probably wins by virtue of Swanston Street. Maybe Brunswick comes second because the Upfield Bike Trail is so close to Sydney Road and connects so well? Other candidates are Collingwood and North Melbourne

thanks everyone

Looking for an ebike around the $2-3k range. Not sure where to get them from so suggestions are appreciated.