3 children wearing school uniforms walk along a footpath. There are trees on the street.

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.

A woman is riding on a black cargo bike in front of a white house with a yellow door. There is a baby in the cargo bucket wearing a red helmet.

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

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