St Kilda Road separated lanes update, Junction to Carlisle St section

The St Kilda Rd separated bike lanes project was originally announced to run from the City to Carlisle St, but during construction it was down-graded to stop at St Kilda junction. Earlier this year we found out from the office of Active Transport minister Gabrielle Williams that the project contractors have closed up their office, without passing on the design work on the remaining section.

The route over St Kilda hill is fraught with danger.   Heading north, people on bikes have an unprotected on-road lane, with heavy trucks directly alongside-- heavy traffic from the Nepean Highway tends to turn off onto Queens Rd at the junction, so will be in the left-most lane.   Heading south, there is a "door zone" on-road, unprotected lane.      Cyclists travelling down the hill are travelling at speed, giving people opening car doors into the lane even less time to make a careful check.  

MLC Katherine Copsey has raised this in Parliament.

This route is one of the main (C1) Strategic Cycling Corridors, connecting the city with Frankston. The improvements on the northern section have increased the number of users there up to 300%— which is great, but also means that more people will be using the unsatisfactory southern sections for access.

We are asking our local MPs, Nina Taylor (Albert Park) and Ryan Batchelor (Southern Metropolitan) to make funding and building this section a priority—- before some is injured or worse.

Help out: email your MPs. If you have photos, videos or a story about your experience on this section, please share it with us portphillipbug@gmail.com to add to our campaign.

Strategic Cycling Corridors: when will these be fit for purpose?

In August 2024, a 27 year old Southbank man was killed in an (alleged) hit-run on Plummer St, Port Melbourne. He was working as a food delivery rider.

Every death is a tragedy for the family and loved ones. This one is particularly sour as Plummer St is one of the sparse network of roads designated as Strategic Cycling Corridors. Plummer St is partly 4 and partly 2 lane, very wide, and characterised by fast speeds and truck traffic.    

Strategic cycling corridors in Port Phillip. Plummer St top left, highlighted in yellow.

According to State Government, “SCCs are the main routes of the bicycle network, similar to how arterials are the main routes of the road network. They identify the most important routes for cycling for transport that connect to key destinations of metropolitan and regional significance, including key employment areas, activity centres and railway stations.”

However, unlike arterials, the conditions of the SCCs are currently massively unfit for for purpose, and there is no plan for systemically upgrading the infrastructure. Some routes have been upgraded as a by-product of other projects such as the Level Crossing Removal Project (for example, there will be a separated route on Queens Avenue, Caulfield). The local flagship project of the St Kilda Rd bike lanes took over 20 years of lobbying, during which several people were killed. (And that project remains incomplete, with only painted lanes between the Junction and Carlisle St).

Here is a scary clip from Lorimer St (also a SCC).

Screenshot from the clip (the cyclist was not squashed thank goodness).

Given the lack of progress on infrastructure, it’s fair to ask whether these are nothing but lines on the map.

Following the death in August, Port Phillip BUG wrote to Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne, asking her to prevent future injuries and deaths—- including of delivery riders at work—- by upgrading the SCC routes.

In November, we received a response from Stuart Johns, Executive Director of Modal planning.

“Victoria has adopted the safe system approach to road safety, which recognises that we as humans are vulnerable and make mistakes that shouldn’t cost us our lives. ”

“For people riding bicycles or using other micromobility devices, the practical application of this approach means that on-road facilities should be physically separated from motorised traffic in environments where traffic operates at speeds of more than 30km/h. Earlier this year, DTP adopted a policy outlining that any of its new or upgraded projects that occur on SCCs should include treatments to this effect.
”

— Stuart Johns, Department of Transport and Planning

“Bicycle facilities, typically off-road shared use paths, are also included as part of all major state transport projects (road and rail) and a combination of off-road shared use paths and exclusive off-road bike paths are being progressively delivered as land develops in our growth areas. The policy also requires turn controls at new and significantly upgraded signalised intersections which will further improve safety for cyclists.”

Link to the new policy.

This is a long way short of a funded, systematic program that would deliver suitable infrastructure on SCC routes within any defined timeline. However it does represent a very very small shift in DTP policy. It’s not clear how many decades it would take for SCC routes to be fixed under this incremental policy.

The response did not share any plans for new or upgraded projects on Plummer St.

Council election candidates in MONTAGUE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

PETER MARTIN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. Peter is an incumbent Councillor, and has steadfastly supported active transport in his time on Council. He supports all the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy. For specific improvements needed in the Montague Ward, he says “Williamstown Rd is a major barrier to pedestians and cyclists. There is an urgent need for improved crossings particularly for students attending Port Melbourne Secondary College and the proposed new primary school and sports participants at Murphy Reserve.”

More information: socials @Peter4Montague

ALEX MAKIN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent. Alex is a strong supporter of active transport, and supports all the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Plan. He also has a long history of involvement in the Public Transport Users Association. He is also a former Councillor and Mayor at the City of Maroondah, where he worked on several transport projects. Since moving to Port Phillip in 2013 he has been advocating for public transport improvements, including frequency upgrades for bus route 235 and 606 which service Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend.

For specific improvements needed in the Montague Ward, he says “Fishermans Bend will only reach its full potential with a strong focus on sustainable transport infrastructure, such as expanded cycling networks and public transport…. Additionally, we must implement bus priority measures to prevent buses from being caught in traffic, and improve tram priority in Southbank (near Clarendon Street Junction) to ensure public transport remains a competitive and reliable travel option.”

More information.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ELWOOD WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

LILIANA CARRANZA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Liliana supports the implementation of the active tranport elements of the Integrated Transport Strategy. In response to our question about how to get from Tennyson St shops to the beach using active transport with a 10 year old, Liliana has some good ideas about how to improve the route for walkers: We'd follow the canal down across glenhuntly road to wave st/ beach ave. At glen huntly road we would think how it might be very useful and safe to put a crossing where it crosses the canal and everyone jaywalks anyway because they want to continue following the path of the canal.” More information

JANET DE SILVA ⭐⭐⭐⭐

People Empowering Port Phillip (PEPP). Janet support the items that improve active transport from the Integrated Transport Strategy. For specific improvements to transport in the Elwood ward, she notes: [The Elwood canal] bike path lacks proper signage - many walkers are unaware that they are on a shared bike path, which can lead to safety issues. Appropriate signage would help both cyclists and walkers safely share the canal trail. “ She also says: “We need a clear bike path - shared or otherwise - through Elwood. Considering that most rides are reasonably narrow, it's important to use the wider streets, including Tennyson st, St Kilda St, Broadway and Mitford.” Janet hasn’t shared any personal advocacy history. More information.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in SOUTH MELBOURNE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

EARL JAMES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Earl supports the implementation of the active tranport elements of the Integrated Transport Strategy. Earl has “always participated in and supported ride to school day as a teacher and father”. More information

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in LAKESIDE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

IVY pierlot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Ivy supports the implementation of the active tranport elements of the Integrated Transport Strategy. She has also supported students who ride to school: “I repeatedly spoke to my high school about adding bike storage in campus because it LACKED while my primary school was very effective at promoting bikes with significant bike sheds. ”. More information

LEVI SILCOX ⭐⭐⭐

People Empowering Port Phillip. Levi supports the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy in general, but makes very few commitments to specific projects, saying that he would review them based on their merits. A cautious approach that gives little information about his priorities. https://www.pepp.org.au/

BARNEY MOORE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. Barney supports the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy. He also supports the construction of bike lanes on St Kilda Rd south of the junction—- a key issue for Lakeside Ward. He has advocated for improving the St Kilda Junction tram stop. Barney says “As a Lakeside Ward resident who walks and takes the tram daily, I understand the need for improved active transport options. This begins with upgraded footpaths, safer tram stations, and dedicated bike lanes that prioritise people’s safety.” More info.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council elections: vote for sustainable, active transport

The integrated transport strategy 2018-2028 is a well-thought out document, emphasising social inclusion, and preparing for demographic growth and climate change.

It details policies to shift towards a city where residents have multiple options for travel, including walking, public transport, cycling, and driving.

Implementation of the strategy has stalled, with no progress indicators published. Of the proposed 11 bike corridors, only 1 has been completed. (State Government has partially completed Moray St and St Kilda Rd.)

In the past term of Council, we’ve seen divisive and misinformed campaigns against much needed infrastructure.

The facts are:

• Protected and connected bike lanes work: since construction, the St Kilda Rd bike lanes have increased ridership by over 200%

• 70% of the residents of Port Phillip would like to ride more, but are prevented from doing so because they don’t want to mix with heavy traffic (Monash University study, 2023)

• The bicycle lane network was the most popular part of the Integrated Transport Plan (consultation outcomes 2018)

• In the consultation on the Inkerman protected bike lane, the fully protected lane was the most popular, despite the concerted campaign against it

• The lack of protected lanes especially affects women and other vulnerable groups: when safety increases, the proportion of women cycling increases.

Opportunities for the new council:

• Implement the Integrated Transport Strategy

• Improve walking by infrastructure such as new crossings and wider footpaths

• Improve walking by trialling 30km/hr zones in busy areas

• Continue the e-scooter scheme but get scooters off the footpath, by providing parking corrals in busy areas, and by providing protected lanes to ride in

• Improve public transport by supporting super-stops (level floor access to trams), essential for older people, and people with prams or other wheels

• Increase cycle trips by prioritising the building of the protected lane network, particularly Kerferd Rd– Albert Rd corridor; Inkerman St; St Kilda Rd south of the junction; and Park St.

• Work with State Government, not against it, to fund and build planned infrastructure

Print-ready pdf version of this post.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ALBERT PARK WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

RHONDA SMALL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent. Rhonda is running on a platform of community services, addressing the climate crises, and fairer decision making. She is a strong advocate for active transport, including speaking up as a member of the public at Council meetings. In her own ward, Rhonda says that a protected bike lane on Kerferd Rd would make for a safer, more relaxing ride. In her own words “If I am elected to Council, I will advocate for stronger community education and engagement by Council to respond to community concerns and better promote active transport options - walking, cycling and public transport - as of benefit to us all.” More information

CONNOR SLATTERY ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Connor supports almost all of our active transport items, though not improved measures to help keep footpaths free of scooters. He nominates bike lanes on Kerferd Rd as a clear opportunity for improving active transport in the Ward. In his own words, “I was a long time commuter from St Kilda West to Clayton, so I have a good appreciation of the uphill (pardon the pun) battle that daily riders face, and have also been the beneficiary of the benefits. Lowering the barriers to entry and increasing safety are key to encouraging a behaviour that has great upside for the individual, the community, and the environment, and I am fully committed to supporting it in any capacity I can.” MORE INFO.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ST KILDA WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

TIM BAXTER ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tim is a current Greens councillor, in the Canal Ward. As a Councillor, he was a key force behind our excellent Integrated Transport Strategy 2018—2028, and since then has worked on its implementation. He’s identified co-operation with the State Government as important for getting better walking and cycling infrastructure. In his own words:

“The current Council is the most anti-bike Council in Port Phillip's history, and we need to elect Councillors who will be brave and work with our communities to achieve solutions to the transport problems facing our streets, rather than pit drivers against other road users, like the conservatives have done. I have a solid track record of defending active transport, and I hope to continue to do so.” MORE INFO.

ROBBIE NYAGUY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. Robbie is currently a councillor. In this role he’s been an uncompromising support of active and sustainable transport. He supports the actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy but would not be open to re-opening the decision to implement the Inkerman St bike lane as a paint-only lane. He notes that in St Kilda Ward, bike lanes and pedestrian connections are messy. More information: Facebook (/robbie.nyaguy) and Instagram (@robbie.nyaguy).

JENNI ROPER ⭐⭐

Independent. Jenni is unsure about whether she supports the actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy to improve public transport. She supports the actions in the ITS to improve walking, though she doesn’t support introducing 30km/hr zones in areas of high pedestrian activity. She is not sure whether she supports building protected bike lanes in general; she specifically does not support protected bike lanes on the Kerferd Rd-Albert Rd corridor. She does support continuing the e-scooter scheme in Port Phillip. For improvements in the St Kilda Ward, she says “the bike lane on Fitzroy Street is dangerous for cars, bikes and pedestrians and needs to be reviewed”. She has “championed community safety improvements, such as the installation of lighting in the Canterbury Road underpass, making cycling and walking safer” and has also advocated for renewal of tactile paving, making walking more accessible.

SERGE THOMANN ⭐⭐⭐⭐

PEPP (People Empowering Port Phillip). Serge supports most of the active transport items in our survey, and the actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy— which he also supported during his previous stint in Council. He says: “I would champion the bridge at the Marina Reserve that would provide an important link in the Bayside trail.” More info.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in PORT MELBOURNE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

RICHARD WHITFIELD ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Richard is a member of the Older Persons Advisory Committee, and in that capacity has co-authored a report supporting the more extensive use of eScooters. He’s identified the lack of a protected bike between Port Melbourne Primary School and the Sandridge trail as an opportunity to improve mobility in Port Melbourne Ward. He says “I strongly believe that we need a much more extensive and inter-connected network of protected cycling paths throughout the municipality. I would be happy for see much more spending in this area, including much more conversion of on-street parking areas to green pedestrian and cycling pathways.” MORE INFO

DAVID WRIGHT ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. David generally supports the items to improve active transport that are planned in the Integrated Transport Strategy. He has not shared any personal history of advocacy for active, sustainable transport.

More info: Facebook David4portmelbourne

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in BALACLAVA WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

ALEX DARTON ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent. Alex is a strong supporter of sustainable transport, and is personally an avid walker. He has spoken at Council in favour of protected bicycle lanes. How would he improve walking in Balaclava Ward? “Decrease the speed limit to 30km for vehicles on all municipal roads. Increase canopy coverage for shade in laneways en route via constructing archways overhead with deciduous vines grown up passive watered by aligned households grey water discharge. Increase planting of first succession nitrogen fixing native wattles in all remaining plots. And hold hands”. MORE INFO

RACHEL IAMPOLSKI ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rachel supports all the active transport actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy, and notes that for some of these, implementation is in the hands of State Government—- but strong advocacy from Council is still important. In her response to improving a route in her ward, Rachel focuses on how greening measures can improve walking “There are opportunities to boost tree canopy [..] to help make the walking experience more comfortable, and reduce the urban heat island effect.” She also notes how urban design can contribute to people (particularly women) feeling safer when walking.

MORE INFO. Facebook and Instagram @racheliampolskigreens

MICHELLE DI DONNA ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent/PEPP. Michelle supports most of the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy, though she thinks Inkerman St is “too narrow for bike lanes”. She supports widening footpaths and making walking more attractive. Michelle says “To be honest. As a newcomer to Council candidacy, I have not yet made a contribution to date, but now that I am aware of the Active Transport campaign, I think it is an excellent proposal. I would be willing to support any safe proposal”. A great open-minded approach! More info.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ALMA WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

justin Halliday ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent candidate. Justin has been a key part of the campaign for greening Inkerman St through increased vegetation, more pedestrian crossings, and a protected bike lane. Justin designed and advocated for the Green Link project, a walking and biodiversity route along the Sandringham rail corridor from the Yarra River to Gardenvale; has successfully secured initial funding in Port Phillip and Stonnington, and work is underway in Glen Eira. The Green Link includes some cycling aspects, where there is the opportunity for co-located on-road cycling routes (not mixing cycling and walking). He’d like to see better pedestrian crossings on Alma Rd, to improve walking. MORE INFO.

DICK GROSS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dick Gross is a former mayor and councillor, and is often seen riding around town. As a councillor, Dick was mostly supportive of active transport, and was on Council when the excellent Integrated Transport Strategy was adopted. His key issue for this election is the poor transport planning around Fishermans Bend. “CoPP has been far too weak in advocacy. The failure of the State government to build the promised tram routes in Fishermans Bend has undermined what should be a huge housing opportunity.” He would like you to know: “I am the most prominent bike rider (apart from Janet Bolitho) that has served on Council. I ride everywhere and everyone knows that.” More info.

jOSIE FOSTER ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Josie supports the active transport items from the Integrated Transport Strategy, though with respect to Inkerman St she notes that it’s important that a protected bike lane suits the needs of the community. She says: “I am a bike rider myself so I have an understanding of how much needs to be improved to make the roads safer for everyone.” More info

Port Phillip Council 2020-2024: Sustainable transport

‘Roads, rates & rubbish’ supposedly form a Council's core responsibilities. We focus here on the first: roads, and in particular Council’s record on sustainable transport.

Council began their term with an excellent transport policy, Move Live Connect: Integrated Transport Strategy 201-2028. This policy prioritised creating 10-minute walkable neighbourhoods; safe, connected and convenient active transport options; a focus on the transport needs of vulnerable residents; and boosting bike riding.

However very little progress on these aims have been achieved, with Councillors voting against key projects when the decisions are made. For example, the State Government proposed to fund the Shrine to Sea project, which Council policy described as one of the highest priority corridors for delivering protected bike lanes. The councillors voted against supporting this project.

Moreover, the ITS included some concrete progress indicators, such as number of daily walking trips. As of writing (11/8/24) the Council appears to have never published any of these indicators.

To give credit where it is due: this is a split council. Several councillors have worked consistently towards the goals of the transport policy. Some councillors are unable to move beyond the fantasy of everyone having copious on-street parking available at all times, and care nothing for those who do not drive, or who are seeking access to other options. And others are happy to talk the talk on sustainable transport, but consistently vote with those in the previous group.

We will discuss individual councillors in a separate post.

Sustainable transport goals* (from the Move Live Connect strategy)

Outcome 2:

Number of daily walking trips (measured by Vista): Goal 163k. NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Number of daily bike riding trips (measured by Vista): Goal 35k. NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Number of ‘Healthy Tracks to School’ - infrastructure improvements for safer walking routes to schools completed : NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Number of bike corridors completed (of 11): Goal 7. Actual: 1 (Garden City Route). State Government has partially completed Moray St and St Kilda Rd. NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Outcome 3:

Number of public transport trips (measured by Vista): NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

There are many opportunities here to address climate change, give people more inclusive transport options, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and green our streets. Let’s hope the next council can get to work on this!

*The goals here are interpolated from the 2028 goals.

Councillor report card: who supports residents when we're cycling?

Here we assess the legacy of the councillors on Port Phillip Council 2020-24.

Council’s strategy for improving transport options is the Move, Connect, Live , Integrated Transport Strategy 2018-28. As we’ll see below, many councillors have blocked implementation as each project is under consideration.

The key action from the policy is to create a network of protected bike lanes. Protected bike lanes are the most effective way to enable people to ride; about 70% of Port Phillip residents are interested in riding more, but are prevented from doing so because they don’t want to ride with heavy traffic.

The policy proposed that 11 protected bike lanes be built by 2028, with a further 2 afterwards. Another 2 were planned to be delivered by State Government. In 2024, only some have been considered by council and even fewer have been built. Specific issues affecting people on bikes are briefly described below.

Garden city off road connection: completed 21/22. A decision from the previous Council.

Park St link: Design for on-road protected bike lane between St Kilda Rd and Kings Way down-graded to a partially on-footpath design, to be completed by 2025.

Albert Rd to Kerferd Rd: planned to be delivered by State Government as part of the Shrine to Sea project. Council voted against the protected bike lane that was part of this project.

Inkerman St: Council voted against installing protected bike lanes in May 2024.

Pop-up bike infrastructure project: In 2022, VicRoads implemented a trial of pop-up bike and walking infrastructure. In December 2022, councillors demanded that the changes be removed. The trial was wastefully reversed before the data was analysed— despite user feedback indicating that some of the changes increased perception of safety, and high level reports that it reduced rat-running and increased ridership by 48%.

Councillor report card

TIM BAXTER: A stalwart supporter of active and sustainable transport. Greens. ☆☆☆☆☆

ANDREW BOND: Councillor Bond has proclaimed he’s “proudly part of the most anti-bike Council ever” and he generally votes this way too. Liberal. ☆

RHONDA CLARKE: Consistently votes against any initiatives that would promote cycling. Quote: “you can’t ride a bike with shopping, or to pick up kids, or if you’re elderly or disabled”. RoPP party. ☆

LOUISE CRAWFORD: Councillor Crawford has made cogent arguments in Council in favour of a systematic treatment of traffic issues, and has also been open to consulting with the community and coming to see conditions on the street. However her record in Council is patchy; she ensured Council avoided a discussion of the much-needed protected bike lane on Inkerman St; and also voted to remove the pop-up trial before data was analysed. Was not present for the Kerferd Rd vote. Understands the issues but will not take any bold moves to support people in her community to stay safe while riding. Labor. ☆☆☆

HEATHER CUNSOLO: Councillor Cunsolo is personally a confident and active cyclist, and has been open to consulting with the community about transport safety. This has not translated into any concrete action to keep people on bike safe, indeed during the Council discussion on Kerferd Rd she actively misled the community about the proposed designs (she stated that the surface would be inclined, which would be difficult for disabled people using trikes to use; this was not what was shown in the plans). A cyclist who consistently votes with the anti-cyclist lobby. Independent. ☆☆

PETER MARTIN: Like Cr Cunsolo, Cr Martin is personally an avid cyclist, but the difference is that Cr Martin acts to enable others to cycle safely. Genuinely works towards finding a positive outcome. Labor. ☆☆☆☆☆

ROBBIE NYAGUY: Since joining the council halfway throught he term to fill a vacancy, Cr Nyaguy has spoken passionately in favour of active transport and improving conditions for people on bikes. An uncompromising supporter. Labor. ☆☆☆☆☆

MARCUS PEARL: Consistently votes against any initiatives that would promote cycling. Liberal. ☆

CHRISTINA SIRAKOFF: Consistently votes against any initiatives that would promote cycling. RoPP party. ☆

Pop-up infra was actually fine, and increased bike riding and reduced rat-running

In a report to the Municipal Association of Victoria (archived here), the Department of Transport and Planning say that the pop-up infra installed in Port Phillip and several other councils was a success.

(For those who came in late, or have somehow managed to wipe this episode from their memory: with Council consent, state Department of Transport put in a “pop-up infra” trial, mostly sharrows and kerb outstands, some of which was good and other parts a little weird. Complaints about the changes were blown up by tabloid media and some Councillors. Council demanded that all the changes be removed, before the trial could be completed and any evaluation made. State DoT removed the infra.)

The report says the program:

• Provided safer routes for people on bikes. “Across the program, 65% of 702 survey respondents say the pop-up bike lanes have improved safety, with 9% saying safety has become worse.

  People riding bikes were more likely to say the pop-up bike lanes had improved safety, compared to people driving or using public transport and people walking.

  Across all modes, more people said safety had improved.”

• Increased rider diversity, with more women riding

• Increased bike volume. “Across all sites, volumes of people riding bikes increased by 6% following the installation of the pop-up bike lanes.

  Ridership increased a further 11% between November 2022 and March 2023.

  By LGA, these changes ranged from a 48% increase in Port Phillip to a 9% decrease in Moonee Valley.”

• Safer vehicle speeds attract more bikes. “Across the four areas with pop-up bike lanes, there is a correlation between bike rider volumes and motor vehicle volumes, with an increase in bike riders associated with a decrease in motor vehicles.

  Port Phillip performed best, with:

  - 48% increase in bike trips

  - 17% decrease in vehicle trips

  - 10 % decrease in vehicle speed

• Reduced rat-running

This is a very high level report, with no details of the methodology used, and the short time that the infra existed in Port Phillip should mean that we take it with a grain of salt. However, we see that preliminary evidence existed to show that the trial was safe and successful, contrary to the scare-mongering promoted by councillors.

Why is Council not following the evidence and building safe transport infrastructure?

In a massive understatement, the report says one of the lessons learned is that stronger support is required at Executive and Councillor level to champion active transport objectives.

The one remaining vestige of the trial (aside from the rough spots on the road where they had to physically remove painted bike symbols) is Marine Parade, where it is possible that the changes will become permanent—- depending on an upcoming community consultation. This is a state-controlled road, not a Council road.

The Beach Rd route is a special case— it’s heavily used by bunch riders, and when the protective bollards were first introduced, there were some crashes. The curbs (below) require that big bunches narrow down to 2 abreast. It would be good to see some data about whether these crashes were an artefact of the new arrangement, or whether the difficulty has persisted.

Intersection of Marine Parade and Glen Huntly Rd.

[Updated on 28 July to reflect that the Marine Parade changes are not yet locked in, and have yet to be consulted on.]

Inkerman St safety corridor update: Council prioritises car parking over a safe bike lane

At the council meeting on 15th May, Council had a huge crowd in attendance, filling the gallery and overflowing into the lobby.

On the table were two options: Option A, a protected bike lane on Inkerman St. Option B, a painted lane. Both options had improved pedestrian safety, including 3 crossings, and much larger car parking spaces to accommodate SUVs. Option A would result in the loss of 114 car parks, while option B would result in the loss of 14 car parks. Both incorporated the scheduled resheeting of Inkerman Rd (which accounts for a substantial proportion of the headline costs).

Per the council documents, Option A had better safety outcomes and better aligned with Council policy, to encourage sustainable transport options. It was supported by slightly more people in the consultation phase than option B. Despite this, in the summary the council officers noted that “Local businesses are concerned that parking loss associated with Option A may adversely impact their business” and therefore recommended Option B.

The contention that replacing car parking with a dedicated safe bike lane would adversely affect business was not backed up by any data—- in fact studies from around the world conclude that this kind of intervention leads to streets that thrive more than nearby streets without (e.g see this article https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-08/for-store-owners-bike-lanes-boost-the-bottom-line ).

There were around 60 speakers from the public registered, though in the end only around 40 spoke.

Jacob live-tweeted the public speakers here: https://twitter.com/Hailfromthepale/status/1790665119246295242?t=iAhxuIIT4hu5EOMzlwy_ug&s=19

Most of the comment was from people concerned about losing their parking. There wasn’t much engagement with the council report showing that there was adequate capacity on or near the street—- or perhaps just the thought of having to drive a little further was unacceptable.

There was also some great comment from speakers in support of the lane, including Pierre, a retired local who rides to the PCYC gym almost daily, the salvation army op shop, and Neighbours cafe. A health care worker who spoke passionately about the effect a serious crash can have on people’s lives. Henry (a primary school kid) who urged the councillors to think of the next generation. Rhonda was one of the other few speakers addressing climate change: “if not now when?” Jacob commented that as a Jew, there is a moral imperative to save lives; however saving parking is NOT a Jewish value.

In the Council discussion: Councillor Crawford moved that Option B be accepted. Crawford has previously been supportive of safe bike infrastructure, so this was disappointing. Councillor Martin said that in the case Option B didn’t get up, he’d move a hybrid option—- protected lane between St Kilda Rd and Chapel St, unprotected lane therefter. Councillor Nyaguy said that in the case that Option B was unsuccessful, he’d move to support Option A. Councillor Pearl advocated that the cost of Option B was too much. Councillor Clarke said that everyone has a right to park “as close as possible” to the front of their house.

Mayor Heather Cunsolo said that we should all take more responsibility as a community for keeping cyclists safe, including making head checks and doing the “dutch reach” (using the left hand to open the driver’s side door to avoid dooring). Note that in the Netherlands, cyclists are actually kept safe by separated bike lanes, modal filters, and low-vehicle environments. Relying on mindfulness is also not the Safe Systems approach— which views human life and health as paramount to all else, and “aims to create a system where mistakes and crashes do not result in death or serious injury”.

Option B was voted in. Voting in favour (I think): Crawford, Cunsolo, Clarke, Sirakoff, Bond, Baxter. Voting against: Pearl and Nyaguy. Abstaining: Martin. There was a division called.

A disappointing result. We had a chance to create a greener street, both in terms of actual vegetation and also one that supported sustainable and inclusive travel. We’ve missed that chance. Stay safe out there everyone.

Update 18/5: Port Phillip BUG has registered a formal complaint regarding the council officers’ recommendation for Option B. We believe this was unsupported by any professional expertise that the officers should have exercised; by the council’s policy objectives; and by the community consultation process.

Council fails to deliver on sustainable transport

Bike lanes are the latest conscripts in the City of Port Phillip culture wars: consistency and evidence are out.

Cycling is very popular in our city; most of us have a bike in the shed, and Port Phillip has the third-highest mode share in Melbourne [1]. Research research reveals that 70% of CoPP residents would like to ride more, but experience barriers--- chiefly, we don't want to ride with motor traffic [2]. Cities around the world have massively increased their ride share (and decreased air pollution and congestion) by building out protected bike lanes. Locally, the new lanes on St Kilda Rd have already increased ridership by around 300% [3].

In 2018, the council planned to build out a network of protected bike lanes over a decade [4]. This is a sparse skeleton of safe routes--- while everyone would be within 1km of a route, you may be riding the last 5 minutes home on shared neighbourhood streets. Back then, the bike lanes were the most popular among all the elements of the transport plan; in the review of the plan last year, protected bike lanes and intersections remained the popular actions for supporting people on bikes.

So this all sounds reasonable, right? Not according to some of our councillors: bike lanes are "popping up everywhere!" If only! The plan was for around 25km to be built by 2028; they've built only 2.5km of this.

According to one councillor, you "can't ride a bike if you've got groceries, small children, are elderly or disabled". Not only is this just wrong, it's missing the point-- having a bike lane nearby doesn't force you to use it, it just gives you more options. Even if you don't use it personally, it will get other cars off the road, leaving more space for you to drive and park.

Finally, to the claim that loss of parking will force small traders out of business. It's a reasonable fear, but there's no evidence for this: council studies show that remaining nearby parking will be adequate. The evidence is in the other direction: walking and cycling improvements can increase retail spend by up to 30% see e.g [5]. Similar studies also show that traders consistently overestimate the role that parking has in their success [6]. According to Shane Gardner, manager of bath house Wet on Wellington (City of Yarra) new bike lanes would "put 30 jobs at risk"--- that was 10 years ago. Now, the busy Wellington St bike lanes are rated as one of the safest places to cycle in the city--- and Wet on Wellington is still in business.

Last Wednesday, Council voted to replace the flagship bike lane policy with a weaker plan to make a "range of interventions" like painted bike symbols, sharrows, kerb outstands and street art. The thing is, when the DoT put exactly such a range of interventions in our streets two years ago, this very council demanded that they be ripped out.

On Wednesday, Council voted to "advocate to State Government to deliver protected bike corridors". Again, when the State Government proposed a protected bike corridor along Kerferd Rd (including substantial funding), this council advocated against it.

In a culture war, consistency goes out the window.

Cr Bond says "I'm proud to be part of the most anti-bike Council in Port Phillip's history", but the whole community is missing out: on state government investment in road safety, on reducing transport carbon emissions, on better health through active transport.  And our kids are missing out on the simple pleasure of riding independently.

[1] Beck, Ben, et al. "Spatial variation in bicycling: a retrospective review of travel survey data from Greater Melbourne, Australia." (2021).

[2] Pearson, Lauren, et al. "Barriers and enablers of bike riding for transport and recreational purposes in Australia." Journal of Transport & Health 28 (2023): 101538.

[3] Department of Transport and Planning, Bicycle Counter Data. Link to latest stats.

[4] Move, Connect, Live, Integrated Transport Strategy 2018-28

[5] Transport for London, Walking and Cycling Economic Benefits summary pack, https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/economic-benefits-of-walking-and-cycling, and further references therein.

[6] Note to Store Owners: Not All Holiday Shoppers Drive, D. Zipper, Bloomberg, 9 Dec 2021, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-08/for-store-owners-bike-lanes-boost-the-bottom-line

Supporting the Bicycle Users Group

To support the Port Phillip Bicycle Users Group, the best option is to become a member: you can join here. Single membership is currently $20/year.

The BUG community also includes a bigger group of people who come on rides, or subscribe to our email newsletter (sign up here), or follow our social media (facebook, Insta, twitter, mastodon).

If you participate in Bicycle Network bicycle counts, you have the option of directing your donation towards a group of your choice— thank you to the BUG supporters who choose us!

We’ve also been generously supported by donations (our campaigns have been substantially funded by private individuals). If you’d like to support our campaigns then please send an email to arrange.

In 2020 we were the recipients of a City of Port Phillip community grant for the project On Your Bike. In 2021, 2022, 2023 we received funds from the CoPP in recognition of our support for the Ride to Work day.

Thanks to everyone who is part of our movement, it’s great to ride together.

INKERMAN ST BIKE LANES: Concerns addressed

Concern: Separated bike lanes create more traffic congestion.  

Answer: More transport options means less people NEED to drive. This reduces congestion. Less congestion means faster trips for all— including drivers. And better transport means more patrons to support our local businesses.

Most urban trips are less than 5km, a distance that can easily be covered by a number of  micro-mobility and active transport options such as bikes and scooters.  

Concern: All trees and existing vegetation will be removed.  

Answer: On the contrary, as part Option A, a net of 26 trees will be added to streetscape, increasing tree  canopy cover and biodiversity while providing shade, passive irrigation, and improved water quality.   The reallocation of space away from cars will help in reducing air pollution, but will also contribute to a healthier  and more sustainable urban environment.  

Concern: It creates access issues for emergency vehicles.  

Answer: With careful planning and thoughtful design, separated bike lanes can coexist seamlessly with emergency  access requirements.  

With Option A, there is no central barrier on the road, emergency vehicles can travel centrally on the road with  vehicles pulling to the side when required. Additionally, the proposed lanes are wide enough (2.2m “SUV-wide”)  that smaller vehicles can also go through them in emergency situations.  

We can look abroad for additional evidence. The city of Paris has seen the average response time for  emergencies falling below seven minutes, with firefighters and first-responders attributing it to the city’s  recent deployment of cycle paths.  

Concern: Separated lanes are dangerous because cars sometimes turn into the lane at  intersections without looking.  

Answer: It is very important to make intersections safe for all vulnerable users of the road.  Option A comes with protected intersection designs which include curb extensions to prevent cars from turning  into the lane without looking, signalling improvements to give pedestrians and cyclists a head start, as well as  road surface markings providing clear visual indication of a potential conflict point.  

Concern: This is for people who don’t even live here.  

Answer: This project responds to ongoing local safety issues and personal injury risks experienced by the  community and seeks to increase local transport choices. It supports local connectivity, giving people the  choice to walk or cycle to nearby safely destinations, including shops, parks and services.  

Concern: This is for cyclists, and not everyone can ride a bike.  

Answer: This project is about making Inkerman safer for all vulnerable users: pedestrians, kids, active transport  users, but also people who rely on mobility aids or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Informal mid-block crossing is difficult for people with limited mobility as they may be required to navigate level  changes and moving traffic. As part of Option A, new raised pedestrian crossings with flashing lights are proposed  to make it safer and easier for people of all abilities to cross Inkerman Street.  

Furthermore, all the existing accessible parking spaces on the south side of the road will be retained.

Latest on our Inkerman St campaign.

Do the Councillors even know that you exist?

“You can’t ride your bike and bring home your groceries. You can’t take your kids to their dance classes, or bring parcels home, or use the bike if you’re elderly, disabled or infirm.“

City of Port Phillip councillor, meeting of 18th October, in discussion of the Inkerman St protected bike lane. (Webcast at around 1:05)

If you’d like to help educate the Councillors, please send us your photo or a short video of you riding with kids, parcels, groceries, or while elderly, infirm, or disabled. Don’t forget to mention how protected bike lanes would help in your everyday life.

Email is portphillipbug@gmail.com.

More about our Inkerman St campaign.