After several months of trying to get 1000 eligible signatures, opponents of the Collins Street bike lanes in Hobart have managed to trigger a public meeting to be held on Tuesday 25 March, 5.30–7.30pm, at City Hall.
Bicycle Network has joined forces with the newly formed community group Streets People Love Hobart to encourage people to attend the meeting.
The meeting will vote on motions about the Collins Street trial and we want to ensure people who support safer cycling streets are heard.
Tickets are free but must be booked ahead of the meeting at https://events.humanitix.com/public-meeting-proposed-bike-lanes-on-collins-street
The council is accepting submissions and questions until 17 March via a short form at https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/publicmeeting, however, turning up in person is the most powerful contribution you can make.
If this trial is stopped/removed it will make it more difficult for council to implement future road safety projects.
The meeting, which the council estimates will cost around $10,000, could be a step towards an expensive, non-binding elector poll of Hobart residents and businesses. The recent Clarence Council elector poll about the AFL High Performance Centre cost around $145,000 and led to an increase in rates to pay for it.
The Collins Street trial is proposed to run on three blocks between Molle and Murray streets for two years. It includes separated bike lanes, new pedestrian crossing, 30km/h speed limit, on-street dining and traffic calming at intersections.
The bottom end of Collins Street is a preferred cycling, scooting and walking route because it joins the Hobart Rivulet Path, is two-way and has less traffic than nearby busy roads. However, the risk of being hit by a car door and aggressive, fast drivers still makes it unsuitable for many people who’d like to ride or scoot. Narrow footpaths in the busier section between Harrington and Murray also reduce walking comfort.
Separated bike lanes would improve the comfort for people riding and scooting and get unconfident riders off footpaths. The outdoor dining would free up footpath space and add vibrancy to the street. While the slower speed limit and lane reductions at intersections should calm the environment and improve safety for everyone, whether they are walking, riding, scooting or driving.
Installation of the trial between Molle and Victoria streets is due to start this month and the section between Victoria and Murray Street is under review, to be discussed at the Hobart City Council meeting on Monday 31 March.
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.