Pedestrians on overcrowded footpaths near train stations and narrow streets would have more room to walk under a plan to create 151 new on-street motorcycle bays being considered by the City of Melbourne.
The plan recommends converting 36 on-street car parking spaces into 151 motorcycle parking bays across the central city, to provide an alternative to motorcycle parking on busy footpaths.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said overcrowded footpaths are the number one issue raised about transport in the central city.
"In collecting experiences and data for our Transport Strategy 2030, residents, workers and visitors overwhelmingly told us they were feeling overcrowded in the city, so we're doing something about it," the Lord Mayor said.
"This is one of the first steps we are taking to deliver our 10-year transport strategy, which will help accommodate an extra 500,000 people in the city each day by 2036.
"By introducing 151 new motorcycle bays we can divert motorcycles from parking in key congested footpath areas. We are creating more space for people to walk while still accommodating our riders."
Transport Portfolio Chair Councillor Nicolas Frances-Gilley said Victoria is the only state in Australia that allows motorcycles to park on footpaths under the road rules.
"We welcome motorcycles to the city, but as our city becomes increasingly busy we need to reduce overcrowding on certain busy footpaths." Cr Frances Gilley said.
"If the plan is endorsed, the areas where motorcycles would no longer park will be clearly signposted and correspond to the areas where we're creating motorcycle parking spaces.
"While a motorbike or scooter might not be in the way when it first pulls up early in the morning, a row of motorbikes parked throughout the day can create a real hazard during the commuter and lunch rush when people are often forced onto the road to get past. Overcrowding creates a real challenge for people with reduced mobility and those using wheelchairs.
"We're creating more safe space for people and providing an alternative place for motorcycle riders to park. As a rider I understand the need for dedicated motorcycle parking and I look forward to using it."
Under the plan, motorcycles would not be able to park on footpaths on either side of the road in key areas:
- Sections of Little Bourke, Little Collins Streets and Flinders Lane to create more space in the City's narrow Little Streets
- Sections of Flinders, Collins, Bourke and William Streets to create more space around Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station and Flagstaff Station
"With 89 per cent of trips within the central city taken on foot, we are prioritising moving people safely and efficiently. Our Transport Strategy 2030 aims to create an initial 300 new motorcycle parking spaces across the central city," Cr Frances Gilley said.
Currently around 1200 motorcycles park on footpaths in the central city per day and there are 245 existing motorcycle parking spaces.
