Council releases plans for Queensberry Street’s new bike lanes

As a part of its riding lane delivery program, the City of Melbourne has released proposed designs for Queensberry St riding lanes in Carlton and is seeking community feedback. 

In April 2024, the council endorsed an updated Cycling and Micromobility Infrastructure Program after it had fallen 23 kilometres short of its target of constructing 44 kilometres of new bike lanes by June 2024. 

As a part of the program, the council is proposing to reinstate Queensberry St to one traffic lane in each direction and deliver safer and better-connected riding lanes from Peel St to Rathdowne St.

With Grattan St now open and Metro Tunnel’s new Parkville Station almost complete, the council is looking to begin constructing the new bike lanes in mid- to late-2025, once the community has been given a chance to have its say on the plans. 

The proposed designs are currently open for community feedback on Participate Melbourne until August 8. 

There are four sections along Queensberry St that are proposed to be changed, including Peel St to Leicester St, Leicester St to Swanston St, Swanston St to Lygon St and Lygon St to Rathdowne St. 

Within these sections, traffic lanes will be reduced in both directions and 50 parking bays will be removed to make way for the new protected bike lanes. 

The proposed design incorporates a range of design features to ensure cyclists are provided with the safest possible riding lanes. 

They will include protection at intersections, flexible bollards, gaps closed in median islands, concrete separator kerbs and islands, widened footpaths, vehicle hook turn boxes and green surface treatment at selected locations. 

There will also be new zebra crossings installed on O’Connell and Berkeley streets, while 57 new trees are proposed to be planted as part of the council’s Urban Forest Strategy.

According to the council, this mix of small to large evergreen and deciduous trees will help to create a cooler environment in the warmer months, reduce air pollution, encourage outdoor activity, and support biodiversity. •