Residents encouraged to sign up to the Biketober challenge this October

The City of Greater Bendigo is encouraging residents, workplaces, schools, and community groups to get involved in Biketober, a free, month-long celebration of biking that kicks off on October 1, 2026.

Biketober is all about helping more people discover the joy of riding - whether it’s to work, school, to the shops or simply for fun.

City of Greater Bendigo Active and Healthy Communities Manager Amy Johnston said the Biketober Bendigo Challenge is free to participate and open to everyone, regardless of their experience or fitness level.

“Participation is simple. People are encouraged to sign up online to the Biketober Bendigo Challenge and ride throughout the month of October,” Ms Johnston said.

“All rides count, whether it’s a short trip to the shops, a daily commute or a weekend adventure.

“Biketober is for everyone - no special gear is needed. There is no pressure to ride long distances and every ride counts.

“Participants can ride solo or as part of a workplace, school or community group. The challenge is a great way to build healthy habits, support sustainability, and bring the community together.

"There are also local, national and industry leaderboards with great prizes to be won. As added encouragement, riders who register before October will go into the draw to win early bird prizes.

"Greater Bendigo has an extensive path network to make cycling an accessible and everyday transport option, including the popular Back Creek Trail, Bendigo Creek Trail and Long Gully Trail.

"The Bendigo Low Line and Mundy Street shared user path are key projects underway, with both supporting safe active transport in and out of the Bendigo city centre.

“These add to the already existing approximately 125 kilometres of pathways in Greater Bendigo’s protected walking and cycling network, with more to come to create a fully connected and accessible network located within 500 metres of 90 per cent of houses in urban Bendigo."

In 2025:

• 170 people signed up to the challenge, with 65% going on to log a ride
• Workplace participation remained steady, with 10 workplaces actively logging rides
• The challenge welcomed 76 new users with 64.7% of new riders being women
• Riders completed 1,551 trips and travelled an impressive 23,177km

Registration is simple, quick and free and can be done online by visiting: