Riding a bike is a simple and easy form of transport. We are keen to bust the myth that you have to be a certain age or fitness level to use a bike to get around. We’ve developed a network of low-stress local streets and off-road cycle paths to help make cycling to work or the shops safe and comfortable.
The Easy Ride Routes mainly use quieter local roads and sections of informal paths through local parks and reserves. Riders should take care and ride within their abilities and to the conditions.
On local roads, the routes use several different bicycle road markings that encourage drivers to be aware of people on bikes and to help direct bicycle riders along routes that have low traffic volumes and speeds to make riding safer and more pleasant for everyone. There is further information about the different road markings below.
The Whitehorse Cycling Network
Download a copy of the Easy Ride Routes map ( PDF 2.1MB)
What are the different markings?
There are a few of different types of bicycle symbols that make up the Easy Ride Routes. Learn more about them below.
Sharrows
A ‘Sharrow’ is a road marking that encourages bike riders to move to the centre of a traffic lane and ‘claim the lane’. These are installed in locations where the road narrows due to a traffic treatment like a roundabout or traffic island. It’s important for a bike rider to ‘claim the lane’ to prevent a driver from overtaking where there isn’t enough room, which could cause the bike rider to be squeezed off the road.
Directional Arrows
A directional marking is a bicycle symbol with a left or right arrow, indicating the route turns and helping bike riders follow the Easy Ride Route.
Bike Reminder Signs
The reminder bicycle symbols are the bicycle symbol without any arrows.
These are symbols are to remind drivers to watch out for bike riders along this section of road. They are placed near the centre of the road so that they are not covered by a parked car, or mistaken for an exclusive-use bike lane.
Small Bike Symbols
Small Bike Symbols are used to show where the Easy Ride Route leaves the road and uses the footpath or an off-road shared path.
Footpaths are occasionally used to direct riders to safer road crossings, such as pedestrian operated signals to cross a main road. Riders will often be required to dismount when using a footpath.
Wayfinding Signs
Easy Ride wayfinding signage is used to guide cyclists along the route and provides directional, distance and route information on each sign.
Footpath Decals are used to help direct riders where to go for short sections on the footpath. Footpaths are occasionally used to direct riders to safer road crossings, such as pedestrian operated signals to cross a main road.