Ms Lawrie-Jones was forced to wait on the footpath, in the blistering sun, until the motorcyclist returned 90 minutes later. Melbourne is the only Australian capital city where it is legal for motorcyclists to park on footpaths as long as they do not obstruct access. But as the city becomes more congested, obstacles on footpaths including motorcycles, bikes, A-frame signs and cafe tables, are making pedestrian crowding worse and life very difficult for people with disabilities. On Tuesday, the council will install “no stopping” signs along footpaths next to more than 50 disability parking bays in the CBD. The fine is $165. Melbourne councillor Beverley Pinder says the signs will provide clarity for motorcyclists on where they need to keep clear.

“I had a mum who couldn’t walk towards the end,” Cr Pinder says. “For a year and a half, it was so difficult to open the door to get her walker out. I thought: ‘My God, this should never happen where disabled people are hindered so much’.” A survey of CBD footpaths last November found footpaths were overflowing (people forced to walk on the kerb or road) during the morning and lunch peak periods on 14 per cent of 140 blocks. (The “Little” streets, such as Little Collins Street, were under the greatest strain.) Approximately 1179 motorcycles were parked on footpaths in the Hoddle Grid on an average weekday in 2018. In 2007, this figure was 903 motorbikes. By 2030, Melbourne City Council aims to have 300 extra motorcycle parking bays on streets as alternatives to parking on footpaths. Cr Pinder believes these extra street parking bays and the no stopping signs will help alleviate congestion on the footpaths.

Ms Lawrie-Jones says the council is doing what it can, but she would like to see a total ban on motorcycles parking on footpaths. So would former paralympian Brian McNicholl, who lives on Exhibition Street. “To me it’s just ridiculous. Motorcycles are unsightly and a real hindrance for people in wheelchairs like myself, not to mention what it must be like for sight impaired people.” Victorian Motorcycle Council chairman Richard Huggins said the no-parking signs next to disability parking bays would warn motorcyclists they were obstructing access. “The council did consult us and it’s fair enough,” he said. However, he opposed a total ban on parking on footpaths, saying people should be encouraged to ride motorcycles because they reduced congestion. “Why should we have to pay for whole car parking spaces when we are so small?” Professor Huggins said.

While the Victorian Motorcycle Council welcomed an extra 300 motorcycle parking bays on the street, Professor Huggins said there would still be a need for footpath parking. “Until recently it hasn’t been a problem. There are lots of other things competing for footpath space now, including the delivery guys,” he said. The RACV said it would only support a ban if the same or greater number of parks were available on-street. “Pedestrian numbers are growing across the city and footpaths should be reserved for people,” said RACV senior planner Stuart Outhred. “Greater access to on-street parking would also prepare the city for new modes of transport, like eBikes and eScooters, as two-wheeled vehicles are expected to continue to grow in popularity.”

However Mr Outhred warned parking on footpaths was a Victoria-wide rule and any change would need to consider the impact this would have beyond the city centre.