Brunswick launch breaks records for Neighbourly Ride

Gathering outside Brunswick Neighbourhood House 
Our opening Neighbourly Ride in Brunswick was a huge success, fully booked out by Tuesday and smashing all previous booking records since we began in February this year.

Our new Brunswick location sits right in the heart of Melbourne’s inner north, in Warr Park, adjoining Brunswick Neighbourhood House who provide community programs.

Pre ride brief

Pr-ride brief from Ride Leader Samantha 

Samantha provides a pre-ride briefing, covering the route, hand signals, safety guidelines, and other essential information for participants.

Brunswick: A high-density hub Surrounded by key arterial roads

Barrow Street shops heading south

Surrounded by key arterial and major/main roads — Sydney Road, Lygon Street, Nicholson Street, Bell Street, Moreland Road and Brunswick Road.

Iconic properties in Brunswick

Brunswick backstreets
The area, which includes the suburbs of Brunswick, Brunswick West and Brunswick East, is home to more than 60,800 residents with an average density of 5,789 people per square kilometre, according to the 2024 Census which is deemed 'High density'.

Community leaders and riders come together for Brunswick launch

Councillor Liz Irvin with the aqua coloured helmet

We were delighted to welcome Cr Liz Irvin from Merri-bek Council whose municipality sits within our Neighbourly Ride 4km radius. Many familiar faces from our Carlton rides also came along to support the launch.

It was wonderful to see such a diverse mix of riders, from early twenties through to their sixties, each with their own story and motivation for joining.

Building confidence and community

Helen our Caboose with Alison on the right

Neighbourly Ride continues to attract people who are rediscovering cycling or learning to ride for the first time. It’s all about confidence, connection, and discovering safe local routes.

One participant, Emma, recently bought her first bike and, with very limited riding experience, found Neighbourly Ride welcoming and supportive of all abilities. Another rider had just purchased a refurbished bike from CERES for only $150 — and this was her first ride in 23 years.

These stories perfectly capture what Neighbourly Ride is about: helping people take their first steps (or pedals!) back into cycling in a safe, social and non-intimidating way.
 

Welcoming new volunteers

Our new volunteer Michael followed by Councillor Liz Irvin

We were also joined by Michael, who discovered Neighbourly Ride after spotting one of our swing tags while cycling through the City of Yarra. Interested in volunteering, he joined us to experience the ride first-hand before beginning our Ride Leader and Caboose (Sweeper) training program.

When asked why he wanted to volunteer, Michael said:
“A lot of people like the idea of riding a bike but don’t know where to start or worry about safety. I love every part of this — it helps people, it’s good for the community, it’s good for the environment, and it’s fantastically positive.”

He rode in from Camberwell on his gravel bike to see Neighbourly Ride in action — that’s dedication!

Family connections and community spirit

Councillor Liz Irvin with her mum at our Carlton location

Cr Liz Irvin also joined us after attending a previous ride in Carlton, this time with her mother on her trusty e-bike. Liz's  has also been involved with BikeNorth, an advocacy group in Sydney, and brings valuable insight into community cycling initiatives.

Another couple joined the ride simply to explore new routes and local destinations in their neighbourhood — a reminder that cycling can be both transport and discovery.
 

Navigating Brunswick safely

Crossing Nicholson St in Coburg

Our Ride Leader, Samantha, led the group through the often busy streets of Brunswick, supported by Helen as Caboose.

Crossing Nicholson St in Brunswick

Together they managed the additional challenges of navigating major crossings safely by walking at pedestrian lights and using footpaths where appropriate to keep everyone together.

The group explored sections of the Merri Creek Trail, including a steep ramp that required a quick dismount and walk — which also gave riders the perfect chance for a friendly chat before returning through Brunswick’s quieter backstreets. Along the way, riders admired a beautifully restored heritage property that captured the charm of the area.

Exploring the local area

Merri Creek eastern trail

Harding Street Footbridge

Merri Creek trail grasslands

Learning new routes

 Bunchrides App

Using our own proprietary platform Bunchrides - available on iOS, Android, and web, Neighbourly Riders can view ride routes before and after each event. The app also includes a library of safe cycling routes, featuring “Shimmy” paths that weave safely across the municipality in both east–west and north–south directions. Riders can follow these routes in real time using live location tracking, making it easier to explore their neighbourhood confidently.
 

Removing barriers

Bunchrides includes a feature that allows riders who feel anxious or unsure to message the Ride Leaders directly with questions before signing up. This support is invaluable, as even our gentle 12–14 km/h rides can feel challenging for those with very limited cycling experience.
 

Keeping it social

Social catch up at A Minor Place in Brunswick

As always, the ride concluded with coffee and conversation, the heartbeat of every Neighbourly Ride. It’s a chance to unwind, share stories, and form genuine friendships — whether the talk is about cycling, local life, or simply catching up.

The beauty of Neighbourly Ride is its simplicity: it’s a weekly, no-commitment community event where anyone can join by registering via the Bunchrides app and marking themselves as “Going.”

Neighbourly Ride continues to show how important local, face-to-face connection is in today’s world — and how the pendulum is swinging back from digital engagement to real-life community and social interaction.

With many thanks to Brunswick Neighbourhood House for their support:
https://bnhc.vic.edu.au/

More information: 
https://neighbourlyride.com