The City of Hobart has released for public comment a draft plan for North Hobart that includes a separated cycleway connecting Lenah Valley to the city and a 30km/h speed limit along Elizabeth Street.
The draft neighbourhood plan is the culmination of several years of consultation on how to cope with growth in the area and improve access.
Safer bike riding infrastructure has consistently come up in consultation results and vision statements, but this is the first time the City of Hobart has put a route on the table.
The city is only committing to “investigate” a separated cycleway on Elizabeth Street from the intersection of New Town and Augusta roads to Federal Street, along Federal Street to Argyle Street, then along Burnett Street to Campbell Street.
Secondary bike lanes, which would not be separated, would be marked on Argyle Street above Federal Street, Federal Street between Argyle Street and the Brooker Highway and Burnett Street between Arthur and Argyle streets.
A secondary route marked on Letitia Street is up for consideration, but depends on development of the state government’s Rapid Bus Network, which is proposing to use Letitia Street.
The 30km/h speed limit proposed along Elizabeth Street between Federal and Burnett streets recognises that it is a preferred cycling route.
While 30km/h speed limits are a good road safety initiative to protect lives, the high volume of cars on Elizabeth Street means it won’t be an All Ages and Abilities route.
At many times of the day traffic is already moving at 30km or less so it would be formalising the current situation, which is uncomfortable for most people who want to ride because of the heavy traffic and lack of space for bikes.
The plan recognises the importance of secure bike parking and says it will look for appropriate locations along the separated cycleway and introduce bicycle priority signal phasing at intersections.
The plan also commits to advocating to the state government for an accessible bridge/underpass linking North Hobart with the Queens Domain, or at the least an upgraded signalised intersection.
The cycling actions are all marked to be finished within the next four years.
The draft plan can be viewed on the council agenda: https://hobart.infocouncil.biz/RedirectToDoc.aspx?URL=Open/2024/06/CO_24062024_AGN_1997_AT_WEB.htm
You can register on the Your Say Hobart site to be notified when the plan opens for comment via https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/north-hobart-neighbourhood-plan or email comments to strategicplanning@hobartcity.com.au
If you'd prefer to provide feedback in person, the following "pop up" sessions will be held:
- Wednesday 24 July 4-6pm – Elizabeth Street (outside Fall Real Estate)
- Wednesday 31 July 3-5pm – Soundy Park
- Saturday 10 August – Soundy Park
Main image: Michael Coghlan