Newsroom

Group of people ride down Collins Street near the intersection with Molle Street with an old brick and cream building in the background.
Government should be supporting safer roads

Bicycle Network has criticised the Tasmanian Government’s backpedal on funding for a trial of safer road conditions on Collins Street in Hobart.

Bicycle Network’s Tasmanian Public Affairs Manager, Alison Hetherington, said the decision to pull funding flies in the face of government strategies.

“We’ve had numerous strategies and plans in the past six years proposing safer cycling infrastructure to protect people currently riding as well as the many people who would like to ride but are concerned about safety.

“We also have a Towards Zero road safety strategy that highlights the need for a “safe systems” approach to infrastructure. This advocates separation of vulnerable road users like people cycling, walking and scooting from the dangers of traffic.

“To have the government pull funding for a trial for just three blocks of one city street brings into question their commitment to active transport.

“The recent budget slashes funding for active transport infrastructure in future years and now we see the government pulling money that had already been promised.

“The transport plan for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium has Collins Street as a central active transport spine leading into the precinct. If the government is refusing to fund just three blocks of a trial what is the likelihood any money will be going to the infrastructure needed for the rest of the network?

“The City of Hobart is doing the right thing by trying to provide more transport options for more people and the state government should be supporting them, not making it harder.”