Motorcycles and scooters will be given preferential treatment over cars and trucks in Melbourne's inner city, as part of a bold plan to reduce traffic and parking congestion by getting more commuters to take up motorcycling.

Melbourne City Council is set to expand motorcycle parking across the municipality, at the same time as competition for these spaces, and the city's footpaths, heats up.

Damian Codognotto from the Independent Riders Group. Motorbikes are to be given more parking spots in the city. Credit:Penny Stephens

Paid car parking could be replaced with free scooter spaces, while the council will also try to force developers of new apartment and office towers to create more motorcycle parking and supply lockers for protective clothing.

The 2015-2018 Motorcycle Plan will by voted on by councillors next week. In the document, council staff argue that more motorcyclists on the roads would result in faster travel times for all, while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.