VicRoads survey asks the public to decide on the look of Sydney Rd

Cars could be banned from parking on Sydney Rd and cyclists given more space under a raft of options being put forward by VicRoads. See all the options and have your say.

Commutes on Sydney Rd will be shaken up under new proposals from VicRoads.

Cars would be banned from parking on Sydney Rd under one of four proposals put forward by VicRoads.

Dedicated bike lanes and raised tram stops are also among the suggestions put forward by the roads agency.

The proposals are part of a public survey on the future of a 4km strip of the road, stretching from Park St, Brunswick to Bell St, Coburg.

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The options were created from meetings with traders, Moreland Council and transport groups including RACV and Bicycle Network Victoria stretching back to 2017.

In the five years leading up to December 2018, a total of 223 crashes occurred on that stretch of Sydney Rd, including one death in March 2015, according to VicRoads.

Option 1A introduces raised tram stops and larger footpaths to Sydney Rd. Source: VicRoads

Sydney Road Brunswick Association manager Claire Perry said option 1A, which bans cars from the two outer lanes at tram stops, closest resembled the association’s preferred look for the road.

Option 1B leaves four lanes open for vehicle traffic. Source: VicRoads

She said the association’s preferred method gave bikes their own lane the whole way along the road into the city during the morning peak time and away from it during afternoon peak.

“The actual design our president presented wasn’t there at the last group meeting,” Ms Perry said.

“We’re happy giving a lane to the bikes during the peak times but the real preference from everybody I ask about it is for the Upfield bike path to be improved.”

WHICH OPTION IS BEST? HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE COMMENTS

Brunswick Greens state MP Tim Read said the survey results needed to be put into action immediately.

Dr Read preferred Option 3 due to its safety for cyclists. Source: VicRoads

“We must ensure the consultation is reflected in the final design of Sydney Rd,” he said.

“We can’t afford to wait any longer, Sydney road must adapt to the realities of our changing city.”

Dr Read backed option 3 as his preference because it was the safest for pedestrians and cyclists.

The proposals:

• Option 1: Raised tram stops make up options 1A and 1B, with bike lanes included in front of the stops and parking retained during off peak times away from the stops.
  Option 1B retains four lanes of vehicle traffic, with parking available away from raised tram stops.
• Option 2: The second option would create dedicated tram lanes towards the city between 7am and 9am and the other way between 4pm and 6pm.

• This proposal would not change cycling lanes.

Option 2 would create a tram only lane during peak times. Source: VicRoads

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• Option 3: This option would remove parking completely from Sydney Rd, allowing for extended footpaths for trading.

  Dedicated bike lanes would be installed in either direction, while trams and cars would share lanes at all times.

Option 4 retains some parking while extending some footpaths. Source: VicRoads

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• Option 4: The final option would remove some parking to allow for extended footpaths and tram stops and create dedicated bike lanes during peak times by banning parking on that side of the road.

The survey is open until July 14. Have your say here.