Bicycle paths in Melbourne

These primarily follow current or former watercourses and major roads to traverse long distances and provide facilities for both transport and recreation.

The first designations as 'shared user paths' (SUPs) - or 'shared footways' - began in the 1970s following extensive lobbying by Bicycle Victoria and its founder Keith Dunstan.

[8] In 1988, the State Bicycle Committee was abolished and subsequently absorbed into the newly created Victorian Roads Corporation.

[citation needed] A number of freeways have been constructed with separate bicycle paths built alongside, including Eastlink, the Deer Park Bypass, and the Metropolitan Ring Road.

[13] With the increased recognition from all levels of government of the benefits of cycling, Melbourne today has a network of shared bicycle trails which have developed over time along its river and creek systems and alongside freeways and railways.

[17] In 2012 there was opposition from cyclists following the cancellation of most cycling projects from the State budget, with protests organised by Bicycle Network Victoria.