Cars give way to cyclists on two South Melbourne roundabouts

CYCLISTS are getting right of way over cars on two South Melbourne roundabouts in a first on Victoria’s roads. VIDEO: Watch how it works

CYCLISTS are getting the right of way at two South ­Melbourne roundabouts in a first on the state’s roads.

The roundabouts, where Moray St crosses Dorcas and Coventry streets, force cars to give way to riders.

Drivers must also give way to pedestrians on new zebra crossings.

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The changes are part of major upgrades to Moray St’s bike paths, designed to cut ­cyclists’ travel times in and out of the city and provide an alternative to St Kilda Rd during the Metro Rail Tunnel project.

The building of Anzac station has crunched traffic to one lane in each direction and realigned tram and cycling routes.

Cyclists can still use St Kilda Rd, but Albert Park MP Martin Foley said the up­graded Moray St route now provided a “more convenient” alternative.

An artist impression of the new bike paths and roundabout.

“We’re upgrading the Moray St bike path so cyclists, pedestrians and motorists have a reliable alternative to St Kilda Rd as we get on with building Anzac station,” he said.

“These two new Victorian-first roundabouts will improve safety, reduce travel times and provide a more convenient journey for cyclists.”

Other upgrades to the Moray St bike path include wider lanes, new rumble strips, better line markings and an added “buffer” to keep cyclists apart from cars.

Cars must also give way to cyclists at crossings.

The new design splits Moray St’s cycling path into two sections. A “protected” bike lane, between the ­footpath and a row of carparks, runs between City Rd and Coventry St southbound.

It then becomes a “dedicated” bike lane, between the row of carparks and traffic lane, from Coventry St.

This aims to maintain as much on-street parking as possible, at the same time improving safety for cyclists.

The roundabout at the ­intersection of Moray and Dorcas streets opened yesterday, while the one at Coventry St will open in coming weeks.

The Herald Sun understands there are no plans to ­expand the idea further.

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@moniquehore