The Transport Workers Union has criticised CBD bike lanes over safety issues

The debate over CBD bike lanes has been renewed amid fears they are making the city dangerous for road users.

The Transport Workers Union says the CBD bike lanes are compromising the safety of road users. Picture: Alex Coppel

Delivery businesses and truck drivers are increasingly frustrated that separated bike lanes in the Melbourne CBD are continuing to compromise their safety.

The controversial protected lanes were given priority over loading zones, street parking, bus lanes and general road users, the Transport Workers Union said.

TWU state secretary Mike McNess said lanes made the city a less safe workplace for its members because of access and parking problems.

“Let’s be clear – transport workers are an essential component of the CBD’s infrastructure and cannot just be kicked out of the city,” he said.

There are concerns about access and parking issues caused by bike lanes. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Delivery companies were also concerned about the disruption to their drivers.

The council installed the protected bike lanes which often replace a traffic lane or parking spaces. Exhibition St has been the focus of much of the discontent.

Even though the council has now paused the rollout of the separated bikes lanes following an outcry from businesses and motorists, the union called for more balance.

TWU state secretary Mike McNess said drivers needed safe and reliable access to Melbourne’s CBD.

There has been an outcry over the Exhibition St bike lanes. Picture: Alex Coppel

“All road users, particularly essential transport workers in the course of their jobs, must have a seat at the table in genuine consultation to create safe working zones.

“Transport workers move millions of dollars of cash throughout the city and need accessible, safe working zones close to businesses and banks.’’

Mr McNess said transport workers wanted a seat at the table “to get plans right’’.

Victorian Transport Association chief Peter ­Anderson said delivery drivers often had to wheel their loads several blocks on trolleys.

Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said bike lanes saved lives and improved safety for all road users.

“The City of Melbourne remains on track to deliver more than 40km of protected bike lanes across the municipality,” Cr Reece said.

“While Melburnians find their new rhythm, popular corridors into the city will be prioritised and bike lane works within the Hoddle Grid will pause.

“This will allow us to welcome as many people back into the city, as safely and efficiently as possible.”

There is a particular concern about the Exhibition St bike lanes. Picture: Alex Coppel

More than 100 improvements have been made to ease pressure points, Cr Reece said,

Cr Reece and Cr Elizabeth Doidge are due to meet TWU officials this week.

No loading zones had been removed because of the bike lane projects, the council said.

Mr Anderson also said the bike lane expansion would mean the city would have to become an economy based on “coffee and stretchy pants’’.

The lanes program was based on a council-commissioned Deloitte transport review in 2021, but it only passing reference to freight and deliveries.

The words “truck” and “van” did not appear in the ­report, Mr Anderson said. But “bicycle” or “bike” was mentioned 143 times.

TWU assistant state secretary Mem Suleyman, writing in the Herald Sun today, called for a “sensible balance for all road users’.

“Fixed bike lanes have been prioritised over loading zones, street parking, bus lanes and general road users,’’ Mr Suleyman said.