Streets People Love Hobart: New group forms to promote active and public transport

In the midst of an intense backlash against the Hobart City Council’s plan to install bike lanes on Collins St, a group of local residents has formed to counter the negative reaction.

Alan Butler, Anna Johnston, Mark Donnellon, Olivia Kay with daughter Caroline, 10 months, Lucie Johnston, who are members of the new Streets People Love Hobart group, which has been formed to advocate for greater pedestrian, cyclist, and public transport infrastructure and services. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A proposal to install bike lanes on Collins St as part of a two-year Hobart City Council trial may have angered certain elements of the business community, but it’s galvanised a group of passionate local residents who are fighting back against efforts to have the plan scrapped.

Streets People Love Hobart was launched in December, following months of backlash against the council project, which will see separated cycling lanes and streetside dining areas established on the 700-metre stretch of Collins St between Molle and Murray streets in March.

The Confederation of Greater Hobart Business has heavily criticised the proposed removal of 49 parking spaces to accommodate the bike lanes, arguing the initiative will have an adverse impact on nearby businesses.

Anna Johnston, Anna Blake, and Mark Donnellon who are members of the new Streets People Love Hobart group that has been formed to advocate for greater pedestrian, cyclist, and public transport infrastructure and services. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The group has gathered the 1000 signatures needed to force the council to call a public meeting regarding the trial, which could lead to an elector poll being held.

But Mark Donnellon, a co-ordinator of Streets People Love Hobart, said not everyone was opposed to the idea of the bike lanes and that he and other like-minded people were determined to “rally together the community that’s excited about this project”.

Since the group kicked off last month, it has signed up about 100 people to its mailing list, while its Facebook group has attracted roughly 250 members.

“Getting this far within basically a month has been pretty surprising. We’re quite impressed,” Mr Donnellon said.

“Hobart does have a long history of being developed around the car being the main transport mode. And we’d like to see more options, not just bikes but we’re also very interested in making public transport better for residents of Greater Hobart.”

Businesses who support the group’s cause – including Next Door Deluxe Coffee, SoHo Wholefoods, Ginger Brown, and Teros – have been offering free bright blue branded stickers on behalf of Streets People Love Hobart.

Cyclist on the intersection of Collins and Barrack streets. Picture: Caroline Tan

The stickers feature an image of the group’s mascot Perci the platypus riding a bicycle.

Another leading member of the group, Dr Anna Johnston, said it was not just focused on promoting the benefits of bicycle infrastructure but also increased pedestrianisation initiatives in the city and greater accessibility for people with mobility issues.

“I think the research shows that if you put in this type of infrastructure to allow people to walk and cycle, then it actually makes it safer for everybody, even the people driving their cars,” she said.

“I don’t think it’s about excluding anyone. I drive a car and I’m sure pretty much everyone [in the group] also drives a car. And many times you may have to. But it’s not the only option.”

As for the argument that Hobart is too hilly for active transport to be prioritised, Dr Johnston said the advent of e-bikes had “totally changed that” and made it possible for people of all fitness levels to ride a bicycle around the city.

The Hobart City Council is planning to install bike lanes on Collins St as part of a two-year trial. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Greater Hobart Household Travel Survey 2023, conducted by the Department of State Growth, showed there had been a 50 per cent increase in bike trips completed each day in the City of Hobart since 2019.

Alan Butler, a wheelchair user and former cyclist, feels a greater sense of security and amenity as a result of urban interventions favouring pedestrians and cyclists, especially those that improve accessibility.

“It makes me safer but mainly it’s more pleasant. Instead of struggling to get up and down kerbs or whatever, you just go in a leisurely fashion and it’s so much better,” he said.

Streets People Love Hobart is hosting a barbecue meet-up at South Hobart Playground at 4pm on Sunday, January 19.

Originally published as Streets People Love Hobart: New group forms to promote active and public transport