Cycling groups urge Toowoomba Regional Council to drop CBD speed limit to 30km/h

Should the Toowoomba CBD’s speed limit be dropped to 30km/h? That’s a view held by several groups, who want to further promote active transport.

Should the Toowoomba CBD’s speed limit be dropped to 30km/h?

That’s the view of a group of cyclists, who have called on the Toowoomba Regional Council to review it to better promote active transport.

Toowoomba Region Bicycle Users Group secretary Jeff Nolan said the current speed limit and elements like the current mid-street crossings, which give right of way to vehicles, were discouraging to cyclists, pedestrians and other users not in cars.

“That is quite common for many cities around Australia, it’s done to enhance the experience for vulnerable road users,” he said.

“Our thrust is not just about cyclists, it’s about moving the CBD away from being car-centric and making it a safer city for pedestrians, people on scooters, people with disabilities.”

The council nearly made Russell Street a 30km/h zone as part of the ongoing refresh project but backflipped on the decision.

Mr Nolan said the backflip was “ridiculous”, urging councillors to “be bold” in reviewing the CBD.

Infrastructure services portfolio leader Councillor Melissa Taylor said while she supported active transport in other ways, the council’s position on the issue was clear.

“My personal opinion is to go by council’s wishes and that is to keep it at 40km/h,” she said.

“I’m very much for active transport, active transport is very important of our city and we’re working hard to ensure our footpaths and cycleways are included in funding.”

Planning chair Councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan voiced her support for reducing the CBD’s speed limit.

“We want this town to be friendly with cyclists — you don’t want cars to be the main mode of transport,” she said.

Originally published as Cycling groups urge Toowoomba Regional Council to drop CBD speed limit to 30km/h