Motorcyclists will be able to permanently use selected bus lanes on three major routes in central Melbourne, with the state government locking in the change following a successful trial.
The move allows riders to access bus lanes along the Eastern Freeway westbound between Chandler Highway and Hoddle Street, and along Victoria Parade in both directions between Hoddle Street and Nicholson Street.
The change is aimed at easing congestion and improving safety by reducing the need for riders to weave through traffic.
Clear signage will be installed across the routes to indicate where motorcycles are permitted, giving riders greater confidence about when they can enter bus lanes safely.
A post-trial evaluation found the changes had no negative safety impacts for motorcyclists or other road users, and no effect on bus travel times. It also showed riders are increasingly using the routes and feel more confident doing so.
The initiative forms part of Victoria’s broader Road Safety Strategy, which targets a halving of road deaths and a significant reduction in serious injuries by 2030. Motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected by road trauma, accounting for 21 per cent of fatalities in 2025 despite representing less than 4 per cent of registered vehicles.
“Motorcyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users, and we’re making practical changes to help them stay safer on our roads,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ros Spence said.
“This is about helping riders avoid traffic, travel more safely and get to their destination sooner.”
