Church Street is a major north-south street in Yarra, running from Abbotsford in the north to Cremorne in the south, after which it changes to Chapel Street and continues south to St Kilda.
Here’s the view from a Church Street tram heading south (starting at Victoria Street):
Problems
One problem is that the tram stops aren’t accessible (for people using wheelchairs) or protected. Another problem is that cyclists are forced to ride in an unprotected lane, vulnerable to either a swerving car or an opening car door. These hazards carry the risk of serious injury or death, if a motorist makes the simple mistake of failing to look. For example, here’s a story from a person biking on Church Street in Richmond:
Another example; 27-year old Gitta Scheenhouwer was killed in broad daylight on Chapel Street (the continuation of Church Street, but just south of the City of Yarra) while cycling in the painted bicycle lane.
Another problem is that the waiting time for a person to cross the street, is too long, outside the Richmond Traders shopping centre, just north of Bridge Road. Safer Streets for Richmond has published a video showing just how long the wait is:
Suggestions
Church Street should have:
- more trees
- wider footpaths
- protected bike lanes
- protected intersections
- protected level-access tram stops
That would bring the street alive, by attracting more people to visit, shop and linger. In addition, a separated bike lane would carry more commuters in peak hour than the existing clearway lane. Church Street is even wide enough to support a pedestrian refuge in the centre, helping people to cross safely. The key is to reallocate street space away from stationary parked vehicles and toward transport modes that are more space efficient, including walking and cycling.
Parking
Church Street doesn’t suffer from a lack of parking, if anything it suffers from a lack of pricing. Further south on Chapel Street, the plentiful availability of parking is shown by the www.chapelstreetparking.com.au website and posters.
Support from the RACV and Infrastructure Australia
The RACV have nominated Church Street as a bicycle superhighway, requiring a protected bicycle lane that attracts bikers of all ages and abilities. Infrastructure Australia have included RACV’s proposal for bicycle superhighways, in their 2020 Infrastructure Priority List. In 2024 the RACV updated their map, which still includes Church Street:
Church Street Park
In 2014 council reallocated street pace to green open space, enlarging the Church Street Park, located just to the north of the freeway, near the Yarra River.
Church Street Park before and after. Image credits: Nearmap.
Realisation Project
The Stonnington Bicycle User Group have published a proposal describing how to realise a safer and better Chapel Street, including:
- removing on-street parking
- improving cycling infrastructure
- reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h
- closing Chapel Street to through traffic
- elevating footpaths when they cross side streets
- automating pedestrian crossing lights
Conclusion
With these changes, Church Street and Chapel Street could act as a major north-south bicycle superhighway linking Abbotsford to St Kilda, complementing the north-south vehicle route on Punt Road. World class cities such as London are benefiting from their cycle superhighways – Yarra can do this too.
Local champion
Your local champion for Church Street is Stonnington Bicycle User Group. View all of Streets Alive Yarra’s champions on our supporters page.
Stonnington BUG is a champion for safe, separated cycle lanes along Chapel Street and Church Street. We believe that safe and accessible infrastructure for active transport users leads to thriving precincts.
Stonnington BUG