The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) and Bike Geelong are calling on the state government to address ongoing issues with Parkiteer bike cages at upgraded train stations in Victoria. Parkiteer bike cages provide secure bike storage and are an essential service for cyclists commuting via public transport. However, the cage at Marshall station remains closed, five months after the station reopened in August 2024, leaving cyclists vulnerable to theft.
The delayed opening of these Parkiteer cages is a significant oversight. Bike theft is a growing problem across Victoria, and commuters deserve secure facilities to protect their bicycles. PTUA member Billy, who regularly cycles to Marshall Station, recently had his bike stolen due to the unavailability of the Parkiteer cage.
“I used the old Parkiteer at Marshall prior to the station rebuild,” Billy said. “It is frustrating that due to bureaucracy, the cage at the new station is not open, and I had my bike stolen as a result.”
When Billy contacted the Bicycle Network, which operates Parkiteer cages, he was informed that the organisation had not yet received confirmation from the project team that construction was complete. Despite the new Parkiteer cage at Marshall Station being finished, the access pad does not allow entry for cardholders.
PTUA Geelong Branch convenor Jarred Crowe expressed his disappointment with the situation:
“It is disappointing that a communication breakdown between the state government and Bicycle Network has led to the theft of possibly multiple bikes. The state government must communicate with Bicycle Network more effectively to ensure Parkiteer cages are opened as soon as possible.”
Bike Geelong founder Ashley Goldstraw shared similar feelings:
“The new shared path built as part of the railway line upgrade between South Geelong and The Surf Coast Highway is a positive step for active transport in Geelong. This path now allows safe bike connections for kids, families, shoppers and commuters to the Southern Bike Link and the Bellarine Rail Trails. Although the South Geelong secure Parkiteer bike cages are open for use, the Marshall equivalent is still not open, some 5 months after the station opened. Once again, disappointingly, as with many projects, the bicycle infrastructure is the last to be considered, which has led to a number of bike thefts from the station, with very few, if any of these ever investigated or solved. This delay in the opening of the secure parking is another friction point to people choosing to leave their car at home and using a bike as their form of transport.”
The PTUA and Bike Geelong are urging the state government to:
- Expedite communication with the Bicycle Network to confirm the completion of construction at Marshall.
- Open the Parkiteer bike cages immediately to provide cyclists with secure storage.
- Review and streamline processes to prevent similar delays at other upgraded stations.
The PTUA and Bike Geelong stands with travellers like Billy, who rely on secure facilities to make cycling a safe and viable option for their daily travel. Immediate action is needed to rectify this issue and rebuild trust in Victoria’s bike-storage infrastructure.