Petition launched for Collins St cycleway as Hobart City Council prepares ‘tactical’ trial

Hundreds of people have united in a push for a new bike route to be established on a bustling Hobart street, arguing the move would convince more people to take up active transport.

Intersection of Collins and Murray streets. Picture Eddie Safarik

A local campaign pushing for the construction of a new cycleway on one of Hobart’s most bustling streets is gaining steam as proponents argue it would convince more people to ditch their cars and use active transport options instead.

Bicycle Network Tasmanian public affairs manager Alison Hetherington has launched a petition calling on the Hobart City Council to establish a cycle route on Collins St, between the Molle and Murray streets, which would cater to riders of all ages and abilities.

The survey has attracted more than 500 signatures since it began on February 7.

Ms Hetherington said Collins St was one of the most popular cycling routes into the city centre for residents of Fern Tree, South Hobart, and West Hobart, and was also used by people riding and scooting from other parts of the city who appreciated its lower traffic volumes and signalised crossing at the Molle St intersection.

A bike rider on Collins St in Hobart. The Bicycle Network has launched a petition calling on the Hobart City Council to establish an All Ages and Abilities cycle route on Collins St, between the Hobart Rivulet and Murray St. Picture: Supplied

However, she said it was still seen as too dangerous by people who were interested in riding but ultimately chose not to.

“The risk of being hit by a car door, having to mix with vehicles in the traffic lane and intersections with poor sight lines turn quite a few potential riders off,” Ms Hetherington said.

The petition asks for separated cycleways to be considered along the street, which would include a physical barrier – such as concrete dividers with bollards at either end – between cyclists and traffic.

“There has long been support for better cycling infrastructure on Collins St. The petition quickly got hundreds of signatures when it was publicised to the South Hobart community and has steadily been gaining ground through word of mouth,” Ms Hetherington said.

“[The Bicycle Network] counts bike riders on the first Tuesday morning of every March at the intersection of Collins and Molle streets and often have people stopping to say they would ride or ride more if the street was made safer.”

Alison Hetherington of Bicycle Network Tasmania. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Hobart City Council city futures director Neil Noye said the council would be designing “tactical” bicycle infrastructure on Collins St, aimed at providing quick transport options and reducing traffic congestion.

“The project … will feature temporary bicycle infrastructure and amenities like line markings and signage,” he said.

“This ‘tactical installation’ will allow for swift delivery of streetscape improvements, with ongoing monitoring and community engagement to inform permanent infrastructure.”

Mr Noye said detailed designs for the tactical infrastructure would be completed by July this year and that the council was aiming to secure further funding for installation, monitoring, and public engagement.

“Monitoring and community feedback will shape designs for permanent bicycle infrastructure on Collins St,” he said.

Originally published as Petition launched for Collins St cycleway as Hobart City Council prepares ‘tactical’ trial