The Principal Bicycle Network (PBN) is a 'planning tool'  to guide State investment in developing a network of bicycle routes that provide access to key destinations within the Melbourne metropolitan area. The PBN is one of a number of cycling networks that make up the cycling infrastructure of metropolitan Melbourne.

Purpose of the PBN
The purpose of the PBN is to guide investment in bicycle infrastructure by VicRoads. This investment aims to increase the number of people cycling for transport. Cycling for transport includes riding bicycles to work, to school, for shopping, visiting friends etc.

History of PBN development
The PBN was first established in 1994 and was largely based on arterial roads, forming a coarse rectangular grid of cycling routes. Since then Melbourne has grown significantly and travel patterns have changed across the city. At the same time cycling has become more popular, particular for transport purposes, and the role that cycling plays in our transport system is now clearly recognised.

Review of the PBN
The PBN is currently under review and the network is expceted to change.
Completion of the review is expected in mid-2012, and the website updated soon after.

The new PBN will differ from the original PBN in a number of key ways:

• more ‘destination-focused’, connecting activity centres, Central Activity Districts and the CBD to their cycling catchments
• design principle of maximising separation between cyclists and motorists, as well as other priority treatments
• increased use of local roads and off-road paths

SmartRoads - Bicycle Priority Routes (BPRs)
The revised PBN is incorporated into the SmartRoads Road Use Hierarchy, with certain sections of the PBN assigned as 'Bicycle Priority Routes (BPR's).  For more information, go to SmartRoads.

Maps of new PBN
Following completion of the PBN Review a new set of maps showing the new PBN will be available.
 
Maps of the old PBN are available from Bicycle Maps.