City of Port Phillip has demonstrated a blinkered policy on its pursuit of protected bike paths which overrides public safety and demonstrates another waste of ratepayers money.

On several occasions Fire Brigades traveling east in Park Street between Kingsway and Moray Street and with traffic banked because of the protected bike path have been observed having to travel in the west bound traffic lane which may have had oncoming traffic turning left off Kings Way and may have resulted in a serious accident causing serious injury or death. Fortunately, this has not occurred but is an accident waiting to happen. 

There are also occasions with the parking spaces being located on the outside of the protected bike paths, that mothers have at times had extreme difficulty in taking small children from their car and making their way to the footpath. Instances have been observed where other children riding in the car, particularly toddlers cannot be safely restrained on the grass verge, while smaller children are assisted from the car.

Having drawn all of this to Council’s  attention, this is the response from the Transport Projects department:

“Park Street Temporary Bike Lane – Kings Way to Moray Street

I understand that you have concerns about the safety of the bike lane and parking arrangements in Park Street west of Kings Way. I would like to assure you that independent Road Safety Audits have been undertaken prior to and post installation of the bike lane, as per the guidelines of VicRoads. These audits have been reviewed by Council’s Transport Safety Team and did not  identify any significant safety issues or risks for any road users, including emergency vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Council continues to monitor the installation and its impacts on traffic flow and road safety and will make adjustments as needed based on feedback received and data collected.  

I also note your concerns related to drivers exiting vehicles, please note that the buffers between parked cars and the bike lane are significantly wider than the VicRoad guidelines allowing for additional space to exit vehicles and safely cross the bike lane. 

Emergency Services

I note your concerns and observations related to Emergency Services use the opposing road lane during times of congestion, this occurs throughout the inner suburbs of Melbourne. To mitigate risks to road users, there are specific road rules / laws associated with interactions with Emergency Service vehicles, in emergencies, law enforcement and other emergency vehicles are not required to follow the road rules. If a police, emergency, enforcement or escort vehicle has its red, blue or magenta lights flashing or its siren on, drivers must:

• Get out of its way / provide a clear path for the emergency vehicle 
• Give way and stop if necessary, even if you have a green traffic light.

It is the responsibility of road users to adhere to these road rules with VicPol the enforcing authority.”   

Councillors are aware of the safety concerns and it seems that they have relied on Officer’s advice to deny there is a problem with public safety and the danger they have created. Residents should let them know that this uncaring attitude is not acceptable.

Further, with protected bike paths having been constructed in the parallel Albert Road and with the Shrine to Sea project presumably extending over Kings Way, it seemed logical for the Council to review and dispense with the proposed protected bike lanes being duplicated in Park Street from St Kilda Road to Kings Way. Councillors and Council Officers have therefore been urged to review the Park Street Streetscape Improvement to remove the protected bike lanes. 

There is no doubt that the current proposal to construct protected bike lanes in Park Street, would not only be an unnecessary and costly duplication and remove a number of parking spaces and loading zones, but add to the major congestion that already occurs in Park Street. This will only become far worse when Anzac Station is completed and especially when Domain Road is again connected to Park Street.

That is not to say that beautification work on Park Street between Kingsway and St Kilda Road should not proceed. Everyone is in favour of this as it is presently a disgrace.

One should not overlook the congestion caused by the Accessible Tram Stop at the corner of Wells Street which is never going to be abated.  As there is no proposal to relocate it, protected bike paths will only add to this congestion and generally prevent outside dining.

And what does Transport Projects department have to say to his request:

“Park Street Streetscape Improvement and Councillor Decision Making

Please note that as elected representatives of the community, our Councillors have a challenging job in determining how best to proceed on projects. As a Co-convenor of G12+ you would be aware that there are a variety of views and perspectives within our community, and Councillors are charged with considering a range of items and balancing the needs of all members of the community when making decisions. 

There is a significant amount of work undertaken on projects prior to Councillors endorsing projects, including project briefings in which Councillors can seek or request additional information from officers. Please note that Councillors fully consider a broad range of items that impact the community, inclusive of community feedback, when making decisions on projects.

For example, the Park Street design went through two Council meetings prior to being released to the community for feedback. Councillors resolved not to release the initially tabled design, voting to request changes to the design that would better serve their community. These changes were undertaken prior to Councillors voting to release the designs for community feedback and ultimately endorsing the project. 

Council acknowledges that not all projects that receive endorsement are universally supported by the varied cross section of our community. Inevitable there will be community members that disagree with decisions made.”   

Given that the protected bike lanes in Albert Street had not been announced, let alone constructed at the time of the Council decision to proceed with the Park Street Streetscape Improvement incorporating protected bike paths, it seems to be irrelevant for City of Port Phillip. A review and the removal of the protected bike paths seems to be a logical revision, but not for our City of Port Phillip and it seems Councillors are determined to plough ahead.

Even if you are fully supportive of protected bike paths generally, this nonsensical duplication and expense should not proceed and you should write to your Councillors and let them know. Here are their contact details: https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/who-we-are/your-councillors