We’re making it easier and safer for our Merri-bek community to walk and cycle around their local neighbourhood, particularly as we continue to live with COVID-19.

Why we’re making these changes

During the Victorian COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the number of people using local walking and cycling paths, while public transport capacities decreased. This prompted the Council to invest an additional $1.68 million in transport improvements in the 20/21 budget.

As our city reacts to the ever-changing pandemic, it’s more important than ever we embrace ways to keep our community moving safely and with ease.

What we’re doing

We’re responding to these patterns by making it safer and more convenient for cyclists and pedestrians - including people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids - to move around Merri-bek.

The improvements don’t stop at bike lanes. The projects linked on this page are part of a larger group of pedestrian and cycling improvements being made around Merri-bek. These include new zebra crossings, pedestrian thresholds, bicycle lanes, shared zones, reduced speeds on residential streets, and turn bans at key intersections on tram corridors.

Creating walkable and bikeable neighbourhoods encourages healthy and active lifestyles, builds community connections, promotes overall health and wellbeing in our community and supports local businesses through improved access to local amenities.

It’s also great for the environment and can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

Listening to our community

These projects are being delivered as trials, using materials that can be modified or removed depending on the outcomes of the trials.

We invite you to share your feedback and experiences of walking and cycling in Merri-bek using our new separated bike lanes and shared zones.

Your feedback and ideas will help us to monitor these trials and adjust plans before any permanent decisions are made.

In August 2022, Council decided to permanently install the bicycle lanes on Dawson Street, Albion Street and Northumberland Road, as well as the Shared Zones on Albert Street and Victoria Street.

Our trial of the Kent Road separated bicycle lane continues, so be sure to provide your feedback.

Walk or hop on a bike to travel locally via our new trial treatments and explore all Merri-bek has to offer!