Yarra’s plan to shrink bike lanes an accessibility and safety step back

Yarra’s plan to shrink bike lanes an accessibility and safety step back

Yarra City Council has voted to approve a controversial parking plan that will see increased parking spaces and a narrower bike lane in Richmond. As an RMIT expert explains, creating new car parks has the potential to jeopardise public safety.

Dr Afshin Jafari, Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research

"Reinstating general parking by shrinking a protected cycling corridor is a false trade-off. Yarra’s plan to shrink Elizabeth Street’s bike lanes is a step backwards for safety and mode shift. 

"Safe, connected, wide bike lanes support local economy, cut congestion, and help meet health and climate targets. Failing to design proper access for one group shouldn’t become a reason to endanger another. 

"International design guidelines for bike lanes recommend a two metre rideable width and one metre parking buffer for door swing. 

"Narrow lanes next to parking means more dooring, more close passes and higher stress, especially for everyday riders, families, e-bikes and cargo bikes.  

"On accessibility concerns, this is an access design issue, not a bikes-versus-wheelchairs concern. Cyclists, people who use wheelchairs and people on foot all have the right to be safe."

Dr Afshin Jafari is a Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow at RMIT's Centre for Urban Research with expertise in active travel behaviour and urban data analytics and modelling.

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

14 August 2025

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14 August 2025

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