Devonport Council has released a draft five-year walking and cycling strategy for public comment by 28 May which proposes bike paths through the city centre.
The council has issued cycling strategies in the past, but this is the first time it has combined them with walking and addresses the lack of safe cycling access through the middle of town.
The strategy focuses on improving path quality; safer sharing of paths, roads and reserves; and filling in the network’s missing links. It’s also looking at implementing active transport corridors that prioritise walking and riding through new shared user paths.
On top of the strategic connections, it’s also attempting to address issues that have been raised by the community, such as poor maintenance of paths, lack of safe road crossings and shared path etiquette.
Most of Devonport’s cycling infrastructure consists of shared paths, with some painted on-road lanes, which inevitably leads to conflict when useage increases. As the strategy states: “As the path network gaps are being completed and upgrades to priority routes to meet desirable standards, we are observing the increase in commuter riding numbers.”
Proposed actions include:
- upgrading road crossings to modern designs
- improving maintenance inspections to ensure path defects are identified earlier
- widening shared user paths where demand is high
- more path etiquette and wayfinding signage
- banning bikes and scooters on some city centre paths
- new shared user paths for riding in East Devonport, Spreyton and the city centre.
Mayor Alison Jarman said the strategy reflects the evolving needs of the community.
“This strategy is about creating a safer, more connected Devonport where people of all ages and abilities can confidently choose to walk or ride,” Mayor Jarman said.
“We’ve seen significant growth in our pathway network over recent years, including connections through the Coastal Pathway to Latrobe, Spreyton and Ulverstone. This plan ensures we continue that momentum in a coordinated and strategic way.”
To read the strategy and make your comments visit: www.devonport.tas.gov.au/draft-walking-and-riding-strategy-2026-2031/
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.