New bike lanes set to be rolled out in Grattan St 

The City of Melbourne will soon begin works to install new protected bike lanes on Grattan St, Carlton, as part of its transport plan to expand the area’s cycling network.

The state government gave its tick of approval for the project, which will comprise 1.3km of kerbside lanes behind protective kerbs and parking bays, (650 metres in each direction) from Bouverie St to Rathdowne St at the Carlton Gardens.

It will also connect new protected bike lanes being delivered between Bouverie St and Royal Parade as part of the Metro Tunnel Project. 

New vehicle hook turns will be installed at Cardigan, Lygon and Drummond streets as part of the project, while a new bus stop will be built between Bouverie and Swanston streets. 

A total of 68 car parking bays are to be kept, however 18 car parks will be removed to make way for the new bike lanes, which would see a reduction in traffic lanes at midblock sections and intersections. 

The project is expected to be completed in the middle of the year. 

According to the council, it received “minimal feedback” for the new bike lanes after conducting community engagement three times between 2021 and 2022.

However, resident Tim Swain, who expressed his concerns last year to Inner City News, said the “project cannot be justified in any way”, saying it would cause “massive disruption and congestion the length of this thoroughfare”.

“It will permanently damage one of Carlton’s most historic and graceful streets, cause enormous disruption to residents and businesses, and likely to be used by just a handful of cyclists,” he said.

“Given the City of Melbourne’s record in wasting ratepayers’ money on meaningless works and implementing such ill-conceived and dangerous schemes as the e-bike and e-scooter programs, this latest activity will become yet another folly.”

Grattan St connects to the University of Melbourne Parkville campus, the nation’s largest medical precinct, and the future Metro underground Parkville Station. 

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the new bike lanes would improve a safer, better connected cycling network.

“With thousands of extra people expected to move through the area every single day, it’s important we deliver a safer route for riders, pedestrians and drivers,” she said.

“Works will soon start to improve the journey into the city for riders from the north, with upgrades on Grattan St connecting to the popular Canning and Rathdowne streets routes.”          

Carlton Inc. president Sergio Alderuccio said while he acknowledged bike lanes were a contentious topic, he personally supported it.  

“Traffic congestion is growing all the time so more people are finding cycling is a more attractive mode of transport, especially commuting to the city” he said. 

I’m both a cyclist and a driver and I plan my journeys according to what’s going to be the best route.

The Bicycle Network said, “the move signals a reborn eagerness by the City of Melbourne to get on with its city-shaping bike lane program”.

Under the plan, pedestrian, car, and bike access on Grattan St will be maintained during the works.    

Carlton Residents’ Association (CRA) said it also supported the changes to Grattan St, including for kerbside bicycle lanes. 

“Grattan St is a local street and not designated for through traffic. One lane each way will provide ample access for private and public transport, contribute to the bicycle network, and contribute to pedestrian and cyclist safety while allowing for adequate local traffic,” a CRA spokesperson said. •