We’re advocating for a safe east-west cycling route with kerbside protected bike lanes along Johnston St from Kew to Carlton, as well as:

• More bike hoops for parking 
• Wider footpaths for pedestrians and outdoor dining
• Lower speed limits
• More greenery and planters

Johnston St has been flagged by the Victorian Government as a Strategic Cycling Corridor in their Principal Bicycle Network. However, it is currently unsafe with no dedicated bike lanes, inconsistent clearways, multiple speed limits, a high risk of “dooring” by cars and accidents with buses. In 2010 and 2023 BikeSpots, the street was identified as one of the top 10 unsafe spots for cycling in Melbourne.

Used as a major car thoroughfare, the street currently creates unnecessary noise and air pollution, and is now the only street in Fitzroy and Collingwood with a speed limit above 30km/h. 

Kerbside protected bike lanes would better connect Boorondara with the cities of Yarra and Melbourne, and allow for safe bike access to:

• Kew Junction 
• Yarra Boulevard (the boulie) in Kew 
• Studley Park Boathouse
• Collingwood Train Station
• Collingwood Children's Farm
• Abbotsford Convent 
• Collingwood Yards 
• The University of Melbourne and RMIT
• Wellington St (existing protected bike lanes)
• Collingwood North & Clifton Hill (consultation of the Wellington St bike lanes extension starting soon) 
• Smith St, Collingwood/Fitzroy  
• Brunswick St, Fitzroy 
• Canning St, Carlton 
• Lygon St, Carlton 
• CBD and St Kilda Road Protected Bike Lanes
• Capital City Trail (via Walmer St) 
• Local Schools and Early Learning Centres 

Why support kerbside protected bike lanes and wider footpaths? 

• Good for Safety When people biking have their own dedicated and protected space on the road, they are less likely to be hit by cars, unexpectedly diverted into traffic or experience “dooring” from cars. 60% of Victorians are interested in cycling but are afraid to ride alongside car traffic
• Good for Equity Women, older people and kids are more likely to bike when there are safe bike lanes. As biking is an affordable transport option, this would also benefit low-income families, students and people with a disability. It also allows people who don't own a car to get to employment and recreational opportunities safely and on time
• Good for Health Active transport like walking or biking reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves mental health, and leads to improved physical and mental health
• Good for Climate and Environment We need a significant shift away from car dependence to meet emission reduction targets. More people cycling and walking will reduce emissions from transport, Australia’s second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution. It also has the added benefits of improved air quality and reduced noise pollution
• Good for Reduced Car Traffic Fewer cars on the roads are better for people who need to drive (e.g. people with a disability, limited mobility or young children)
• Good for Business People who walk or cycle are more likely to visit cafes, restaurants and bars, browse in retail stores and make impulse purchases. Wider footpaths also allow for more outdoor dining and a more lively neighbourhood
• Good for Community Greater public spaces allow people to come together and interact, which can help to build relationships and a sense of belonging. This can help to create a more vibrant and active community

The City of Melbourne supports protected safe cycling infrastructure on Elgin St as part of their 2030 transport strategy, while similarly, Yarra City Council supports protected bike lanes on Johnston St as part of their 2022-32 Transport Strategy. However, Johnston St is an arterial road under the control and management of the Victorian State Government through the Department of Transport and Planning.

Show your support and help us ask the Minister for Roads & Road Safety, Melissa Horne, and the Minister for Active and Public Transport, Gabrielle Williams, to make Johnston St safer, cleaner and greener. 

Copies of the petition will also be sent to the mayors of Yarra City Council, City of Melbourne and City of Boorondara.