The Metropolitan Trail Network (MTN) is a network of recreational bicycle routes in metropolitan Melbourne.
Though the MTN mainly provides for recreational cycling, there are a number of routes that are popular with commuter bike riders as well. The routes are also useful for people who are inexperienced in cycling, who may find roads too busy to learn on.
Most of the MTN is off-road, built as shared paths (bike riders and pedestrians), but there are some short sections of on-road routes that link off-road paths.
Parks Victoria (external website) is responsible for coordinating the development of the MTN; however VicRoads and local councils may implement parts of the network on land that they manage.
Information about the construction of the MTN can be found in the Parks Victoria Strategy for Melbourne’s Open Space Network: Linking People and Spaces report. 2002 [PDF, 4,967KB, 56pp]
This strategy is currently under review – to find out more information, go to Linking People and Spaces Review (external website)
Parks Victoria funds the development and construction of bicycle facilities within the parks / open space that it manages and provides funding assistance to local councils through its grants program.
VicRoads may also fund bicycle facilities as part of major road projects that are also on the MTN.