Two options were put out for community consultation:
Option A: a kerbside protected bike lane with elevated concrete barriers between cyclists and vehicles involving the loss of 114 parking spaces.
Option B: an on-road bike lane with painted buffers between cyclists / moving vehicles and between cyclists / parked vehicles (to reduce car dooring). This option requires the removal of 14 parking spaces.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the decision reflected Council's efforts to respect divided community views on how to make Inkerman Street safer from St Kilda Road to Hotham Street.
"Changes to our roads can evoke passionate responses and this one was no different. We received 1742 submissions from bike riders, traders and residents during our consultation as well as many texts and emails," Cr Cunsolo said.
"After considering all feedback, we are proceeding with the option which removes fewer parking spaces while still providing a much-needed safety boost for bike riders and pedestrians," she said.
"No process or design is perfect. While Option A offered extra safety provisions which could potentially have encouraged more riders, Option B will still make intersections safer and deter dooring by reallocating road space as a buffer between cars."
Statistics reveal a high number of recorded crashes on Inkerman Street compared to other Council-managed roads. Over the five years to June 2022 there were 31 crashes resulting in injuries. These included 10 bike and 10 pedestrian crashes.
Under Option B, improvements include:
• three new mid-block, accessible pedestrian priority crossing locations with flashing lights
• signalised 'early start' for pedestrians and bike riders at traffic lights and flashing 'Give Way to Pedestrians' signage
• bike lane marking on approach to, and through, signalised intersections with green treatments and intersection marking
• Installation of green treatments and line-marking at unsignalised intersections to provide awareness for bikes crossing
• dedicated right turn signal phase at Chapel Street.
The next step is undertaking detailed design. As the ageing surface of Inkerman Street is due for re-sheeting, this has provided an opportunity to incorporate these safety improvements.
Construction is expected to start in 2027.
