Yarra Council to Vote on Wellington Street Bicycle Transformation Amidst Community Division

Yarra City Council is scheduled to vote on May 12 regarding a proposal to transform a 1.1-kilometer section of Wellington Street into a "bicycle street," restricting most car traffic. This significant plan has generated strong community division.

The Proposal Details

The plan involves installing "modal filters" such as garden beds and concrete curbs between Johnston Street in Collingwood and Queens Parade in Clifton Hill. These filters are designed to prevent vehicles from driving the full length of the street. While local residents would maintain access to their homes, the council estimates the measure would divert approximately 11,000 through-traffic cars daily. The primary goal is enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians, marking this proposal as the final phase of the Yarra council's Wellington Street upgrade.

Community Divided on the Plan

The proposal has sparked opposing campaigns and strong opinions.

Supporters gathered to advocate for a "calmer and greener" neighborhood, citing pollution and traffic dangers, with 88 percent of vehicles identified as through-traffic.

Conversely, opponents, who have protested the plan, express significant concerns. They worry that the restrictions would redirect thousands of cars onto residential side streets, including Gold Street, which features a community park and childcare center. Opponents also raised questions about the viability of two service stations on Wellington Street and the potential impact on Clifton Hill Primary School drop-offs.

Design Options Under Consideration

Two distinct design options are currently under consideration for the street transformation:

• A "Bicycle Street" shared zone, which would implement a 30km/h speed limit for both motorists and cyclists.
• Dedicated bike lanes, featuring physical barriers in Clifton Hill and painted lanes in Collingwood.

Both options include physical barriers to block through-traffic at multiple intersections, requiring residents to use side-street diversions. Furthermore, both designs would result in a reduction of on-street parking.

Public Consultation and Communication Concerns

Public consultation on the project took place from September to October last year. Proponents claim the community was well-informed throughout this period.

However, opponents criticized the clarity of signage and the extent of letterbox drops, alleging inadequate communication about the project. Council officers, in response, stated they letterboxed over 8,500 properties and engaged directly with businesses in the area. Consultation with Clifton Hill Primary School leadership began in August 2025, and a pop-up session in October attracted 100 children and 50 adults.

Mayor Stephen Jolly noted the strong community passion surrounding the issue, cautioning against imposing decisions on a community that may not fully support them.