A PUSH for a 30km/h speed zone in the inner city is gaining momentum with cyclists throwing their support behind the proposal.

Public consultation between Yarra Council, cycling group Bicycle Network and the council’s Bicycle Advisory Committee has highlighted strong support to trial a 30km/h speed zone in Fitzroy.

There was also support to trial further “psychological traffic treatments”, including removing road markings and painting roads, as well as “smoother” road humps in a bid to make the roads safer for cyclists.

RELATED: Yarra Council to paint roads to deal with “negative impact of vehicles” and calm drivers

The move would follow overseas and domestic case studies, including London, Christchurch and Queensland, where lower speed limits and traffic calming initiatives have been introduced.

Greens councillor Sam Gaylard, a member of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, said the speed reduction would make the streets more liveable and a space “not just for cars”.

Cr Gaylard said the 30km/h speed limit would also reduce the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities to cyclists and pedestrians.

“From overseas experience, if you reduce it to 30km/h, more people will ride their bikes and feel safer walking on the street,” Cr Gaylard said.

The trial would take place in Fitzroy streets bounded by Alexandra Pde, Smith, Johnston and Nicholson streets.

The move has previously sparked fierce debate, with university researchers supporting the push for lower speed limits, however the State Government, VicRoads and the RACV say 40km/h is an appropriate speed limit.

RELATED: Road safety experts call for 30km/h speed zones

Bicycle Network’s senior policy adviser, Garry Brennan, said reduced speed zones would improve safety and encourage bike riding.

“When traffic speed limits are above 30km/h, the risk of serious injury is greatly increased,” Mr Brennan said.

“There is strong community support for the move, showing that most road users are keen to see safety improved across the board.”

The trial would take place in the 2017-18 financial year as part of local traffic management initiatives and is subject to further community consultation.