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The Transport Workers Union has called on the Melbourne City Council to re-consider its proposal to install bike only lanes between the footpath and parking areas in Albert Street, East Melbourne.

TWU Vic/Tas Branch Secretary Bill Noonan said that the proposal would create a new safety hazard for delivery drivers using the street and endanger cyclists using the new lanes.

“If a truck or van driver has to pick-up or deliver from a property along Albert Street, they will have to cross a bicycle lane that is likely to be blocked from view by parked cars.”

“This is more likely to endanger cyclists than protect them as they will be all but invisible from the centre of the road,” he said. “Indeed, this problem will exist for any traffic accessing properties along the street, not just commercial vehicles.”

Mr. Noonan said that the proposal could also imperil pedestrians, who will be obliged to cross a bike lane when parking or re-entering their cars.

“Albert Street hosts both the Freemasons and Eye and Ear Hospitals together with Dallas Brooks Hall, all of which generate a lot of street parking and pedestrian traffic, often involving elderly or infirm people.”

“I cannot understand how this proposal could have seen the light of day.”