The route 70 service from Bendigo Station to Strathfieldsaye is one of four throughout the state equipped with a bike rack.

The other three routes are in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. 

Buses not involved in the year-long trial can only transport folding bikes, meaning people with standard bikes have to choose between riding to their destination or taking the bus.

The rack mounted on the front of the Whitmore Group’s Strathfieldsaye bus means people can combine multiple modes of transport. 

“It’s a win-win,” Whitmore Group managing director Jamie Whitmore said.

He said trial would create opportunities for people to stay fit and save money by cycling and catching a bus instead of driving. 

City of Greater Bendigo Councillor Peter Cox hoped people would ride to the bus stop and catch public transport to and from central Bendigo. 

“We hope to see as many people as possible take part in the trial,” he said.

Strathfieldsaye bus driver Philip Robins said passengers would be responsible for securing their bicycles on the rack, which can hold up to two at a time.

Instructions are available on the bus and from the Public Transport Victoria website. 

“A few people have been interested and are looking forward to it all happening” Mr Robins said.

Strathfieldsaye resident Sharron Neunhoffer said the bike racks would give her extra options to get to work.

“I’m looking forward to the results of the trial and the potential for it to be rolled out across the whole of Bendigo,” she said.

The size, use and effectiveness of the racks will be assessed at the conclusion of the trial in April 2017 to determine whether they should be rolled out to other routes. 

The trial in Bendigo is a partnership between Public Transport Victoria, the City of Greater Bendigo, Whitmore Group, the state government and BusVic.