More speed bumps for Melbourne inner-city bike lanes

The rollout of protected bike lanes in central Melbourne has hit a new hurdle as works on two major roads grind to a halt.

The rollout of protected bicycle lanes in central Melbourne has hit another hurdle, with the Department of Transport calling a halt to works on two major roads in the inner north.

The department alerted the city council to concerns about parking and traffic on Royal Parade, Parkville, and Grattan St, Carlton, and called for a pause on installation about the same time as the council halted works in the CBD last month.

Royal Parade is classified as a Department of Transport arterial road.

The department said it was seeking more details about traffic forecasts and was collaborating with the council.

The rollout of protected bicycle lanes in central Melbourne has hit another hurdle. Picture Andrew Tauber

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council was still committed to installing more than 40km of protected bike lanes across the city.

“We will continue working closely with the Department of Transport to upgrade key arterial bike paths including Arden St, Macaulay Rd and Royal Parade,” Cr Capp said.

“Focusing on connecting key suburbs to the CBD will allow us to welcome as many people

back into the city, as safely and efficiently as possible.”

A Department of Transport spokesman said: “We’re continuing to work with the City of Melbourne as they plan additional cycling infrastructure.”

Melbourne councillors voted in a fiery meeting in June to pause for one year the rollout of further bike lanes in the Hoddle Grid amid a backlash from some city traders, residents, shoppers and motorists.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp says the council is still committed to installing more than 40km of protected bike lanes across the city.

Several stretches of separated bicycle lanes were installed in the Hoddle grid since last year, with Exhibition St being a centre of concern for many motorists including delivery drivers who say they hade fewer spaces to stop and drop off goods.

Melbourne’s delay comes after Port Phillip council on Wednesday decided to ask the state government to consider changes to new bike lanes following an outcry from residents in the inner-south.

Ratepayers in Middle Park, Albert Park and South Melbourne are concerned about the installation of speed humps, bollards, concrete blocks and yellow markings on local streets.

The state government has also budgeted this year to spend $21.8m on walking and cycling paths statewide