Cycling wars resume in Australia’s biggest cities – but is it a ‘bikelash’ or just nimbyism?

Cyclists on a cycleway in Pitt Street, Sydney. The return of workers to Australia’s city centres after lockdowns has sparked increased jostling for kerb-side space. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

Council committee meetings aren’t renowned for attracting a crowd, especially on a cool Melbourne winter’s evening.

But the Town Hall Commons was packed in June, with protesters waving placards outside, as Melbourne city councillors gathered to vote on a proposed pause of the installation of new cycleways in the city’s Hoddle Grid area.