Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Tram track spread to squash riders

24 November 2010. A proposal to relocate tram tracks at a new platform stop at the Epworth Hospital in Bridge Road, Richmond, may squeeze the life out of the bike lane.

Bicycle Network Victoria has learned that the proposal to introduce the stop involves spreading the distance between tram tracks between Church Street and Punt Road. 

The road width in this section is narrower than east of Church Street,  where a clearway bike lane has been in place for many years. It is this road width factor which will lead to an adverse effect on bikes once the platform is introduced, especially as the tram tracks are to be moved outwards 20cm on both sides.

Normally 20cm isn't a big deal but on this already narrow stretch of road it means that trams and vehicles will take over the centre lane and vehicles will fill the left hand lane, whereas previously bikes had (just) enough width to travel in parallel with the two lanes of vehicles to their right.

This popular route for riders will be affected by this, but to what severity remains to be seen.

Traffic volumes are relatively low along Bridge Road as alternatives serve commuters more effectively.

[UPDATE] VicRoads has formally advised their support for investigating options to provide traffic metering for Bridge Road between Church Street and Punt Road in order to provide a better level of service for trams and bicycles. This investigation is currently underway. Traffic metering is a method of controlling traffic density through a location.

Bike Lanes Removed

April 2005 Sections of the marked bike lane have been scrubbed off Bridge Rd, these sections have been removed where the total width of the road is less than 4m. It is disappointing to see that these sections of the bike lane have been removed. Bicycle Network Victoria was not consulted prior to the removal of sections of the lane.

In April 2004 Yarra Council commenced works to remove some of the bluestone on the north side of the road and lay new asphalt. This was a big improvement over the broken road pavement that existed.

Council are developing a Streetscape plan to improve the amenity of Bridge Rd for trams, pedestrians and cyclists. Part of the project would involve widening the footpath in the section between Punt Rd and Church St and resurfacing the road.

Our view is any footpath widening should not narrow the kerbside lane to a width of less than 3.8m, which would allow a 1m bike lane and 2.8m vehicle lane to be marked in. Work is due to commence in 2005.