Living in the vibrant city of Port Melbourne, we should have safer streets for cycling enthusiasts and daily commuters alike. However, the Lorimer Street in Port Melbourne remains a hazardous route for cyclists. This is due not only to heavy vehicle traffic but also treacherous crosswinds funneled by the towering high-rise canyons along the street, and deteriorated road surfaces which endanger cyclists on a daily basis.

There is a clear and logical solution to this danger: the completion of the Lorimer Street bike path, providing a safe and accessible corridor for cyclists. Currently, there's an opportunity to connect the Marybyrnong River Punt, which serves as a crucial link for commuters, directly to Lorimer Street. A connected, continuous bike path is a no-brainer and would dramatically enhance the safety and efficiency of urban cycling in Port Melbourne.

The design and implementation of a dedicated bike path have been proven to improve safety and increase cycling participation by more than 20% in urban areas, according to studies by reputable transportation agencies worldwide. By investing in cycling infrastructure, we're not just making a street safer but also adopting a sustainable mode of transport that benefits the entire community by reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthier lifestyles.

The completion of this bike path project is not only about safety but also about the community's ability to leverage sustainable transport, making Port Melbourne a beacon of smart urban planning and environmental consciousness. This project has the potential to significantly reduce the number of cyclist injuries and fatalities, create a more cohesive transport network, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

We urge the local council and relevant government agencies to prioritize the completion of the Lorimer Street bike path. By bringing this critical infrastructure project to fruition, authorities would demonstrate a commitment to public safety, sustainable urban transport, and environmental stewardship.

Your support in signing this petition is crucial. It will amplify our voices in advocating for the completion of the Lorimer Street bike path. Together, we can push for change and make Port Melbourne a leading example of a safe and cyclist-friendly city. Please sign this petition and help create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable community today.

What is the Webb Dock Railway?

The Webb Dock railway line was a short‑lived freight railway in Melbourne that operated from February 1986 until it was closed on 14 June 1996. Initially built to link the Webb Dock container port on Port Melbourne’s industrial waterfront to the Spencer Street Railway Station. Designed as a broad‑gauge freight spur servicing the port, it ran through what later became Docklands Stadium, crossed the Yarra River, and continued west under the West Gate Bridge to Webb Dock, though it attracted controversy for its gauge choice and saw limited use early on.  The line fell into disuse by the early 1990s and was shut down to allow urban redevelopment - however, much of its infrastructure has been left in place and remains undeveloped!  

What are we proposing?  

Convert the existing broad-gauge railway line into a dual-lane bike-path along Lorimer St, from the Bolte Bridge underpass up to the Todd Rd Intersection!  This ~2km of bike path would connect the Port Melbourne with the Capital City trail leading in to the CBD, and more importantly provide commuters a safe, direct path along Lorimer St, away from the freight trucks and buses!  

Its a win-win, no-brainer to repurpose ageing infrastructure and protecting our cyclists who humbly reduce pollution and traffic congestion for us all to enjoy.