A street hierarchy is a differentiation between different classes of streets:

  • Quiet streets (in 30 km/h superblocks)
  • Access streets (bikes & cars mixing at 30 km/h, or separated at 40 km/h)
  • Shopping streets (or nominated arterials, 40 km/h)
Street hierarchy for LAPM 20. Image credit: Streets Alive Yarra, Open Street Maps

Quiet streets 

For example Wellington, Kelso and Dover streets. These streets are where people live; and are designed as 30 km/h or Dutch style “home zones”. Home zones can be landscaped differently, thus allowing adequate car parking whilst maintaining safety for people who are walking and cycling.

Access streets

For example Cremorne, Balmain and Stephenson streets. Access streets enable people to move from quiet residential streets to shopping streets. They include extra safety features such as protected bicycle lanes because they carry higher volumes of cars at higher speed, 40 km/h.

Shopping streets

For example Swan and Church streets. Shopping streets are where the community builds wealth. They prioritise an attractive shopping environment and safe mobility. Street space is used for wider footpaths and protected bicycle lanes, with on-street parking relocated to the first 5-10 spots on each side street. This delivers shopping streets that are better for business and also better for drivers.

How you can help

You can help by appearing on the Streets Alive Yarra website as a champion for your local street, neighbourhood, or school.

Let’s build a beautiful, liveable and accessible city