The City of Melbourne is moving to ban motorcycle & scooter footpath parking.

[Zak]

Motorbike parking on footpaths to be reviewed
Wednesday, 31 October 2007

The City of Melbourne will review the parking of motorbikes and scooters on Council footpaths in some of the laneways and streets in the Hoddle Grid, following a decision at last nightâ€s Council meeting.


Under the plan, Council will consult with motorcycle riders groups and other relevant stakeholders, including RACV, Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), Federated Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and VicRoads.


“We welcome people riding motorbikes and scooters in the City of Melbourne, but we need to ensure that we balance riders†needs with our obligations to pedestrians,” Lord Mayor John So said.


Streets to be considered in the review include Flinders Lane, Little Collins, Little Bourke, Little Lonsdale and Little La Trobe Sts.


Melbourne is the only Australian capital city that allows motorcycles to park legally on footpaths.


Councillor Peter Clarke said motorcycles are allowed to park on footpaths provided they donâ€t obstruct the movement of pedestrians.


“Itâ€s important that motorbike and scooter riders park where they are allowed – currently that means using any of the 325 free on street parking spaces or parking on the vast majority of footpaths. We should increase our on street parking to assist in providing parking alternatives,” Cr Clarke said.


There are currently three locations where motorbikes and scooters are banned from parking on the footpath in the City of Melbourne. These are the south side footpath of Collins Street between Exhibition Street and George Parade, the south side footpath of Flinders Lane between Port Phillip Arcade and Elizabeth Street and the west side footpath of Exhibition Street adjacent to Her Majestyâ€s Theatre.


The City of Melbourne is a member of the ‘Motorcycles in the City of Melbourne†forum.

A small reprieve for the time being....But watch this space for further developments.