Cyclists slam bike ban proposal in Melbourne CBD

Victoria's largest bicycle group has slammed a Melbourne City Council plan to stop cyclists from using three major CBD streets.

"This shift in view by the lord mayor is quite odd," Bicycle Network's Chris Carpenter said.

"Banning bike riders on specific streets would be an unprecedented move and would set Melbourne back years in terms of liveability."

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said preferred safety routes should be drafted, with King, Flinders and Lonsdale streets flagged as particularly dangerous.

"Cyclists are very vulnerable road users and there are accidents all the time," Mr Doyle said.

"Cyclists and buses are just a lethal cocktail."

Mr Doyle said it was a matter for VicRoads to impose a ban, but the council would make the necessary recommendations.