Tim Pallas - New helmet trial for the Melbourne bike share

People using Melbourne's new bike hire scheme will now be able to purchase helmets from vending machines or at 7-Eleven stores, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

Mr Pallas said Melbourne Bike Share patrons would now have the option to buy $5 helmets from two CBD locations as part of a vending machine trial, or at 7-Eleven stores across the city.

"The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system and we understand how important cycling is as a viable, sustainable and accessible travel option," Mr Pallas said.

"While there has been a steady uptake of Australia's first public bike hire scheme, we have had feedback from the community asking for greater availability of helmets.

"We have always said we would consider a range of helmet solutions for Melbourne Bike Share and we expect this trial will go some way to help make the scheme more accessible."

Mr Pallas said two vending machines would be trialled at two of the most popular bike stations at Southern Cross Station and Melbourne University for three months.

"We will use feedback from this trial to determine the best permanent solution to providing more helmets for people using Melbourne Bike Share," he said.

People can buy helmets for $5 and keep them, or return them to a 7-Eleven store for recycling and receive $3 cash back.

Helmets are also available as part of corporate memberships and annual subscriptions, as well as at selected local CBD retail outlets located near the bike stations.

The $5 million Melbourne Bike Share scheme was officially launched at the end of May this year and continues to grow in popularity.

"Our bike scheme aims to provide a fast, flexible, sustainable and a healthy transport alternative for workers, commuters, residents, students and visitors to the city," Mr Pallas said.

"The number of people riding these bikes is going up 30 per cent every month and we expect that with the warmer weather and the new helmet availability, these numbers will go up even further.

"The Brumby Labor Government is committed to reducing people's dependence on cars and promoting cycling as a legitimate transport choice."

As of Monday morning 11 October, Melbourne Bike Share has been used for more than 20,700 trips and has almost 650 subscribers.

For more information about Melbourne Bike Share or to purchase a yearly subscription visit www.melbournebikeshare.com.au

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