Fears grow over dangerous North Melbourne intersection

A notorious North Melbourne intersection has come under once again, with residents and local traders concerned that if it the safety concerns are not addressed there will be a fatality.

In July, North West City News reported that cyclists feared for their lives when navigating the corner of Arden and Leveson streets, due to a blind spot at the intersection that affects both cyclists and drivers.

Less than a month after the article was published, another commuter was struck by a car, reigniting local debate about the best way to address the issue.

In an attempt to make the intersection safer, the council removed two parking spaces on Arden St that were reportedly blocking cyclists’ view of oncoming traffic and drivers’ view of Leveson St.

However, with accidents still occurring, there is growing debate about the best way to solve the issues at play. The City of Melbourne has confirmed it is exploring a number of options.

Matthew Elias, owner of Ample Café on Arden St – located a few hundred metres from the notorious intersection – has made several recommendations to the City of Melbourne.

Council has removed the two parking spots due to pressure from cyclists. Unfortunately, whoever made the decision to remove the car spots never bothered to drive their car through the intersection.

“The way I know this is because the removal of these spots has had zero impact on the safety of anyone,” he added.

As a motorist coming down Arden St and turning into Leveson St, Mr Elias said that drivers were unable to clearly see the bike lane due to their car’s B, C and D pillars.

“With some cyclists flying down at 40 km/h, an accident is inevitable,” he said. “Unfortunately, when this happens, the fault is 100 per cent on the driver – but they have no control over it.”

Mr Elias has requested that the council install a large mirror to offer better visibility without needing to enter the bike lane, along with a flashing light to alert both motorists and cyclists to slow down.

Last month, local cyclist David Britt suggested the council remove the car spaces that were blocking cyclists’ view of cars – a recommendation which has since been implemented.

Mr Britt admitted he was a little surprised that an accident occurred so soon after the mitigation strategy was introduced.

“Unless they're going down there with their eyes closed, I don't see how the cyclist still got hit,” he said.

However, with accidents still occurring, Mr Britt would like to see the council invest appropriate resources into making the infamous intersection safe for all. •