The trial of bike lanes, slower speeds, pedestrian crossings and outdoor dining on Collins Street in Hobart has hit the one year mark, opening up the opportunity for you to comment on its operation so far.
Supporting the concept doesn’t mean you have to support all of the current design, but letting the council know you appreciate what’s being attempted and want them to continue is important.
The council will have to decide leading up to the two-year mark which elements to make permanent and whether the current design is working to create safer conditions for people riding.
Head to https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/transforming-collins-street to fill out the short online survey or email more detailed responses to communityengagement@hobartcity.com.au
We are already seeing a handful of council candidates beating up on Collins Street so if you want to see cycling infrastructure remain, show your support via the consultation.
In good news, several of the businesses along the strip have voiced their support for the changes, noting the increase in foot traffic.
“Now with bikes and planters and tables and umbrellas, Collins Street feels noticeably different — more people linger and when they're not zooming past, they stop — that's better for every business along here,” owner of Sush, David Painter, said.
Cult Logic coffee shop owner Emma Watkins agreed the street changes had been worth it.
“Parking will always be tricky in the CBD, as demand almost always outstrips supply. However, removing a few parks to create an area that feels safe, lively, and encourages people to take a break outside, is fantastic for our little Collins St community.
A few candidates for the upcoming council elections are demanding the changes be ripped out to turn the street back into a car-priority thoroughfare instead of a space all people can share.
Some of the predictions made before the start of the trial have already been shown up as scaremongering.
One prediction was that the council would lose $500,000 in revenue by removing the underutilised on-street car parking, however, over the past year on-street parking revenue in the city has increased by 2.2%.
Another doomsayer said Hobart would do a “complete 180” on having the lowest office vacancy space of any capital city in the country if the lanes went ahead, however, that hasn’t happened and one major office building on Collins Street is actually looking to increase its bicycle parking area.
Unfortunately, we’re going to have to keep fighting for safer streets despite the success of the trial so far, so please make your voice heard: https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/transforming-collins-street
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