Local residents have asked that the VicRoads trial of bike lane infrastructure in Port Phillip contin- ues, with a full evaluation at the end.
“The VicRoads trial has the potential to deliver modest safety improvements, so we should let the trial go ahead and evaluate it at the end. However, the program does not deliver what people on bikes really need: protected bike lanes,” Julie Clutterbuck, President Port Phillip Bicycle Users Group (PPBUG).
In recent months VicRoads have been trialing interventions on streets from Port Melbourne to Elwood. These include yellow painted bike lanes, speed cushions, and plastic and concrete bollards.
Only one section of the trial included a separated bike lane, on Kerferd Rd in Albert Park. However this section was cancelled following agitation by some City of Port Phillip councillors. In response, the PPBUG has collected over 750 signatures in a petition asking for the Kerferd Rd trial to be reinstated.
Councillor Andrew Bond now plans to introduce a motion to Council on Wednesday, requesting the remainder of the trial be removed, citing concerns about visual amenity and safety.
On Sunday 17th July, the PPBUG led a community bike ride through the municipality to review the changes. We met with Councillors Heather Cunsolo, Peter Martin, and MLC Nina Taylor. We found that some of the interventions were positive for safety, some had little impact, and some were confusing. However the overall response from the community was to let the trial go ahead.
If specific elements are found to improve safety, they can be upgraded to more attractive permanent versions, such as planters.
We also call on the Port Phillip Council to stop dragging its heels on its own program of protected bike lanes. Council planned to build 11 routes in the decade 2018 to 2028, and has only completed one so far, with another two in planning stages.
“If the Council were serious about keeping people on bikes safe, they’d be getting on with building their own bike infrastructure, not obstructing VicRoads’ trial.”