Europcar Australia is launching a new category of vehicles fitted with bike carriers at five airport locations — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Coolangatta and Maroochydore.

These “bike-ready” Mitsubishi Outlanders are fitted with Thule ProRide bike carriers, says Europcar.

“The challenge from our customers and cycling community was to create a safer and more convenient solution to traveling with bikes,” said Mike Warmington, sales and marketing director for Europcar Australia and New Zealand. “The bike carriers offer more freedom and flexibility. People no longer have to worry about disassembling their bike to fit it in the back of the car.”

These new vehicles will be released this month — with the vision to expand to other major centers across Australia by the end of 2014, according to Europcar.