A survey has found that the majority of respondents who regularly ride Marine Parade say the removal of the protected bike lanes along the route have made it feel less safe.
Marine Parade (St Kilda and Elwood) is one of Melbourne's busiest cycling routes, used regularly by road riders, recreational riders and commuters alike.
Temporary bike infrastructure introduced during Covid was modified between April and June with the following major changes made:
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kerb separators and bollards removed on Jacka Boulevard, Marine Parade and adjoining side streets
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permanent kerb separators installed on Acland Street
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a shared left-turn lane and bike lane at Dickens Street and Cavell Street
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a separated left-turn lane and bike lane at the intersection of Marine Parade and Glen Huntly Road.
A Bicycle Network survey answered by 754 riders found that 70% of respondents wanted the protected lanes on Jacka Boulevard, Marine Parade and adjoining side streets to be kept, either as they were or with design tweaks.
Just 13.6% of respondents supported the removal.
Almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents said the protected lanes made them feel safer or much safer, thanks to physical separation from traffic, fewer close passes and less anxiety about dooring.
Of the riders who have returned to Marine Parade since the protected lane removal, 62% said their riding experience is now much worse, while 17% found it improved.
There was some controversy when the temporary protected lanes were first introduced during Covid, with some feeling at the time that the kerb separators and bollards presented a hazard for bunch riders.
However, 30% of survey respondents reported liking the lanes more or much more by 2026 as compared to 2022, with only 16% growing to like them less.
Bicycle Network will present these statistics to the Department of Transport and Planning as part of ongoing advocacy for optimal bike infrastructure along this busy cycling route.
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