Riding Melbourne’s Most Wanted "Secret" Rail Trail

Today’s gravel bike ride is a little different as I mix Melbourne train lines with some urban exploration. I'm taking the bike onto a Metro train at Flinders Street Station and heading out to meet a member of the Boroondara Bicycle Users Group who’s going to show me a major gap in Melbourne's cycling network. The crew at Boroondara BUG have been campaigning for the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail since 1995! (🫪 that's just bonkers!). The proposed route follows the railway line, linking up suburbs like Camberwell, Glenferrie, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert. This shared path is a designated Strategic Cycling Corridor, passing by Swinburne Uni and over twenty schools and it would seamlessly connect to the Main Yarra Trail and Anniversary Trail. Having safe, common sense and purpose built cycling infrastructure is mutually beneficial for cyclists, drivers and those who regularly do both. If you still reluctantly drive short distances because you’re unsure of a direct bicycle route, or if you’re not keen on cycling on roads directly next to cars, that’s an understandable concern. If you still need to drive, more cycling routes and more people on bikes means less car congestion on your commute. The BUG's dedication in trying to bring this trail to life and helping the local community is phenomenal. Now I have a question for everyone watching, would you commute on the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail if it finally got fully funded? The easiest way to help build this trail is to send a private, automated email using the link in the description. It takes just three clicks to let your local MP know you want to get drivers off the roads and onto the Hawthorn to Box Hill Cycling Trail. Safer roads is a non-partisan no brainer. Bicycle Network 'Gimme 5' Cycling Map: https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-adv... Boroondara Bicycle Users’ Group: https://boroondarabug.org/ Route:   / strava   Wheels: LightFast.cc | Code ► WOMBAT20 https://www.lightfast.cc/products/lig... Bike:    • Cannondale Gravel Bike - SuperSix Evo SE   Strava:   / strava   Instagram:   / 11thwombat   Business Enquiries: eleventhwombat@gmail.com #gravelcycling #gravelbike #gravelride #bike #cycling #roadcycling #melbournegravel #bikelife #melbournecycling #11thwombat