Industry groups say motorists are being ’unfairly punished’ by the expansion of dedicated cycle lanes

Melbourne’s new protected cycle lanes have raised concerns that “motorists are petrified to come into the city because it’s crawling with bicycles”.

Motorists returning to the city are battling shrinking roads and chaotic traffic over multimillion-dollar bike lanes in Melbourne’s CBD.

Melbourne City Council have spent millions from a special $100 million city recovery fund to fast-track 40km of protected bike lanes in places like Exhibition and Queensbridge streets over the past year.

The project has since resulted in a huge backlash from motorists and traders because of the lost road and parking space.

Leading industry groups believe motorists are being “unfairly punished”, which will in turn result in less foot traffic in the CBD.

The new cycle lanes have sparked a backlash from motorists and traders because of the lost road and parking space. Picture: Mark Stewart

“The fundamental issue isn’t with bicycles. The problem is when bike lanes are put in, space is taken from the road not the pavement,” Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce CEO Geoff Gwilym said.

“The humble car driver is marginalised.”

Mr Gwilym said bike lanes have made it “horrible” for drivers to come into the city.

“The message to Melburnians is visit the city … but motorists are petrified to come in because it’s crawling with bicycles,” he said.

Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said the increase of bike lanes contributed nothing to an already struggling city.

“Having taken the time to speak with small business owners across the city … none of these traders have listed additional bike lanes as a priority action they want to see from council,” Mr Lang said.

“What they have spoken about are concerns for the survival of their businesses and their ability to keep a roof over their families heads and are pleading for more to be done to see Melburnians return to the CBD.”

Mr Lang said the council should more time “speaking to the rate payers of the city” and make access to parking easier and more affordable.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the increase in bike lanes was necessary, with some cycling networks seeing increases of up to 300% in the past two years.

Traffic banked up on Queens Bridge St. Picture: Mark Stewart

“With more people choosing to ride – and now scoot – we have a duty to provide safe bike lane infrastructure, otherwise there will be inevitable accidents with tragic consequences for all road users,” she said.

“We know there are pressure points in traffic flow throughout the city and we’re constantly reviewing how best to manage those.”

On February 14, the Department of Transport reported commuter bike volumes had risen by 12% compared to the previous week – double the rate at which public transport trips had increased.

Council data for February also showed bike volumes on protected routes surrounding the CBD jumped 80 per cent month-on-month.

The number of accidents between bikes and cars in the city also grew with an increase of 65% between 2010 and 2020.

AusCycling Victoria Manager Craig Campbell said new bike lanes deliver multiple benefits to the city including reduced congestion and parking pressure, and less pollution.

“Planning our cities to focus on the needs of people – rather than motor vehicles – is essential to reduce congestion, promote active lifestyles and keep our communities healthy and happy,” Mr Campbell said.

Bicycle Network chief executive officer Craig Richards said bike lanes are also essential for people to feel safe while riding.

“Lots of people want to ride – they’re interested but concerned,” Mr Richards said.

“They are concerned about interacting with vehicles and bike lanes provide a protected place for people to ride.”