Cyclists get parking boost

Media Release from Cr Oscar Yildiz, Moreland Mayor

Tuesday 19 April 2011, Moreland City Council

Cyclists are getting parking boost thanks to a new Moreland City Council initiative that has converted a car parking space to bike parking, increasing the number of people who can park by eight.

Moreland Mayor Oscar Yildiz, is keen to see the result if this trial which is in the heart of one of Melbourne’s fastest growing cycling communities.

“We want people to get active and try alternative modes of transport,” Mayor Yildiz said.

“Active transport is good for the health of the individual, good for the environment and contributes to a safer and more vibrant neighbourhood.

The trial is in Victoria Street Brunswick which is a café precinct popular with cyclists and if successful, it may be possible to remove some of the existing bike parking on the footway. This will benefit café patrons, provide easier access for pedestrians, and assist traders who are looking for space to move their goods and outdoor café seating to the edge of the kerb.

The initiative is supported by the Moreland Health Plan and the Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy. Under these polices Council aims to increase the number of people who walk, cycle and use public transport. 

Other car-to-bike parking conversions trialed overseas and locally have been a success. In Lygon Street Carlton it was found that expenditure per square metre of parking rose more than three times, and in Portland Oregon traders are requesting more car parking be swapped to bike parking because of the increase in business.

The bike parking will be trialed for up to three months and will be evaluated by surveys of shoppers, cyclists, motorists and traders.