Safety concerns raised for bike path

Recent changes made to the bike path running alongside the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre have been questioned by local cyclists.

Members of the online forum ‘Melbourne Cyclist,’ have raised safety concerns over the two new shared use lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, replacing what was a previously a separated path.

An administrator of the online forum expressed concerns over the merging of pedestrians and cyclists, stating that it had created a far more hazardous journey between Seafarer’s Bridge and Clarendon St.

“Pedestrians and cyclists largely respected the separated paths,” he said. “In just a few days of co-mingled use, I’ve seen many more hazards than in five years of commuting down the separated paths.”

Members also raised concerns over the metal grate situated at the apex of Polly Woodside, arguing that the sharp corner it creates has the potential to cause collisions in slippery or damp conditions.

The Plenary Group, which is responsible for commissioning the changes, stated it did so in the wake of two minor incidents that occurred last year involving pedestrian and cyclist conflict.

The group’s marketing manager Lydia Richards, said the changes were made following consultation with the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and Bicycle Network Victoria.

“As manager of the area, Plenary Group proposed a change to the pedestrian and cyclist pathway conditions, endorsed by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and State Government,” she said.

“We haven’t heard of any incidents occurring on the path since the change was implemented and continue to monitor both pedestrians’ and cyclists’ behaviour closely.”

Ms Richards said Plenary Group also installed new path signage in consultation with the City of Melbourne, which is consistent with other similar shared pathways in the CBD.