At its 18 April 2023 Council Meeting, Yarra City Council resolved to make the Elizabeth Street protected bike lanes permanent following the completion of a trial introduced in July 2020.

Yarra is proud to deliver a safer option for cyclists on this key commuter route. This move makes cycling a more accessible transport option for residents all over the municipality.

Protected bike lanes are safer for cyclists to use and will encourage more people of all ages and abilities to ride which is a key objective of the Yarra Transport Strategy.

Data from the trial shows that the number of women and children using the upgraded bike lanes has increased significantly which is important as these groups are underrepresented as a proportion of all cyclists in Yarra.

The protected bike lanes have also slowed down traffic and reduced the risk of fatal accidents for motorists and pedestrians.

An extensive community engagement process has shown broad support for the provision of protected bike lanes on this street.

Council will now explore opportunities to secure funding to replace the existing temporary infrastructure with longer term kerbed bike lanes along with tree plantings, landscaping, and other street feature upgrades.