Key road users ignored in lead-up to implementation of the CBD’s bike lanes

Key road user groups say the move to add more bike lanes without consultation has created a number of issues for freight drivers and motorcyclists.

Two key road user groups say they were ignored in the lead-up to the implementation of the CBD’s new bicycle lanes.

The freight industry and motorcyclists say they were not consulted over the installation of 40km of segregated bike lanes in central Melbourne.

In most cases, a traffic lane was removed to make room for kerbing and a lane for bicycles.

Victorian Transport Association Peter Anderson said delivery drivers wanting to drop off goods to restaurants and shops had lost between 25 and 35 per cent of their spots to park close.

The lost access is forcing drivers to wheel their deliveries several blocks on trolleys on increasingly busy footpaths.

“There’s no consideration by the Melbourne City Council for trucks and them trying to be able to move around the city.

“If you want bikes to be the dominant form of transport in the city, then change the nature of the shops, because all the bike people buy is coffee and stretchy pants.”

Melbourne bike lane on Exhibition St in the CBD. Picture: David Crosling

“They’re not going to go out and buy a television and take it home on the back of the bike.’’

Victorian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott also said the group was not consulted in the planning of the bike lanes.

“We are not in any way denigrating cyclists and their need for protection. But there seems to be no recognition of the shared responsibility of the roads,’’ Mr Eacott said.

“We’re not aware of any safety assessment for the bike lanes.’’

Mr Eacott said the loss of a lane meant motorcyclists were unable to legally filter between lines of traffic to find a safe spot on the road.

After pedestrians and cyclists, motorcyclists were the third most vulnerable road user, he said.

“And we are always in the traffic.’’

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council’s Transport Strategy 2030 was designed to create space for all users – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“It was developed and informed by the most extensive consultation council has ever undertaken – including with freight industry operators, transport bodies, and a dedicated motorcycle reference group.’’

Melbourne bike lane on Exhibition St in the CBD. Picture: David Crosling

But the 2021 Deloitte transport review, which the council used as the basis for forging ahead with the expanded bike lane network to encourage people back into the city, only makes a passing reference to freight and deliveries to business.

Mr Anderson said the words “truck” and “van” are not mentioned at all in the report but “bicycle” or “bike” appear 143 times. And the word “motorcycle” is mentioned only once in relation to a scheme in Italy.

Cr Capp acknowledged there were pressure points in traffic flow.

“We’re constantly reviewing how best to manage those. That’s why we’ve already made more than 100 adjustments since the bike lane program began, with another 60 on the way … based on community feedback.”

No designated loading zones were removed in the bike lane installation.

Many businesses say the lanes are discouraging people driving into the city.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra has called for a review of the lanes and called for a trail removal of the lanes installed on Exhibition St.

But Greens councillor and cycling advocate Rohan Leppert said removing the lanes would be “economic vandalism” and urged the business community to deal in reality.