The City of Hobart has released its West Hobart Mobility Plan for comments, with lower speeds, raised crossings and traffic calming the main suggestions to make it easier to ride.
The topography of West Hobart and its proximity to the city mean many people will choose to walk rather than ride, however, the increasing popularity of e-bikes mean cycling is becoming a choice for more people.
Children who want to ride to one of the primary schools in the area have to contend with fast traffic speeds, poor path continuity and limited sightlines at crossings.
The Local Area Mobility Plan for West Hobart acknowledges these problems and suggests three main areas of action:
- lower the speed limit on all streets to 40km/h
- upgrade key intersections with raised crossings to improve safety for people walking and riding
- install more kerb ramps to improve path access for people riding and wheeling
- traffic calm streets, especially those around schools
For people wanting to ride, the plan suggests further investigation into creating an All Ages and Abilities route bypassing Hill Street.
In particular:
- Mellifont Street/Butterworth Street upgrade to provide a connection to North Hobart via Newdegate Street.
- Lansdowne Crescent – resurface path, provide a kerb ramp at West Hobart Recreation Ground and modify the gated chicane in Forbes Avenue to allow cargo bike access.
- Investigate future improvements on Goulburn Street for a cycle route, school route, more trees and parking changes.
Comments are being accepted until 27 October through an online survey or you can email the team directly. There is also a workshop at the Mt Stuart Hall on Monday 14 October for face-to-face discussion.
The plan, the survey and registration for the workshop are available at https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/west-hobart-lamp