The Hobart City Council has approved a Transport Strategy and parking plan that will prioritise new cycleways on Collins Street and Augusta Road and the development of a bike plan.
The strategy was put to the council on Monday 22 July and passed with two minor amendments.
Council’s Mobility Committee Chair, Ryan Posselt, said the strategy included travel options for all Hobartians.
“Transport choice means that when we need to get from A to B, we have a variety of options at our disposal that are safe, efficient and comfortable to use,” Councillor Posselt said.
“This strategy not only focuses on improving our current transport infrastructure but also encourages and enables behaviour change towards more sustainable and healthier travel choices.”
The strategy’s focus on active travel has also been backed by the RACT’s General Manager of Advocacy Melinda Percival.
“It’s crucial to address the current levels of congestion by reducing reliance on cars and encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking,” she says.
The draft strategy put an action list out for public comment and the final strategy prioritises actions based on the public feedback.
There was strong support for the themes in the strategy, including more active and public transport options and helping Hobart cut its climate change emissions.
Actions to improve bike riding conditions to be delivered in the next four years, include:
- Continue to develop Local Area Mobility Plans to plan for and support the provision of improved active travel (walking and bike riding) facilities that will support more people to move around key destinations in their local area using these modes.
- Support children’s active travel to school through development of School Active Travel Plans.
- Progressively connect and protect the bicycle network as identified in the Greater Hobart Cycling Plan for All Ages and Abilities, with projects for Collins Street and Augusta Road as priority.
- Implement tactical/adjustable solutions to improve bike connectivity, visibility and safety. This could include protected intersections, lanes, and pop-up mobility hubs.
- Support the growth of e-bikes to get more people riding.
- Work with providers to expand micromobility offerings such as e-bikes and seated scooters.
- Ensure that planned disruptions and works such as events or construction activities do not unduly impact bike routes in ways that are inconsistent with the directions of this strategy.
- Develop a City of Hobart Bike Plan to guide the provision of a network of bicycle infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities across the LGA. The plan may consolidate the outcomes of Local Area Mobility Plans, School Access Travel Plans and Neighbourhood Plans and consider bicycle parking and signage and infrastructure upgrades for primary, secondary and neighbourhood routes.
- Work with the State Government on active transport connectivity to public transport, including a network of secure bike parking at public transport stops.
- Implement a City of Hobart workplace travel plan to support staff behaviour change.
- Identify opportunities to promote active transport and collaborate with community and stakeholders through public events and activations (e.g. ride to work day, car-free day).
- Advocate to the Tasmanian Government for a comprehensive behaviour change program to support public and active transport uptake and complement infrastructure investment.
- Trial an area wide speed limit reduction to inform a speed limit reduction policy.
- Develop a Speed Limit Reduction Policy, including a review of existing lower speed limits, which establishes principles for where and why speed limit modifications will be considered and sought.
- Continue to enhance vulnerable road user safety through improved infrastructure.
- Create a city for walking, bike riding and public transport.
www.hobartcity.com.au/Council/Strategies-and-plans/Transport-Strategy