North-West council areas weigh into cycling lane debate as State Growth begin bike plan

A trio of councils have revealed their thoughts on cycling lanes, with differing opinions and plans for biking infrastructure. Here’s what they had to say. Take the poll inside >>

The City of Hobart has installed its first separated cycleways within the city centre in May, promoting safe and sustainable transport in the capital. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The councils responsible for North-West Tasmania’s three largest population centres have all weighed into the cycling lane debate.

The Devonport City Council is the only municipality in the region with bike lanes, which were first implemented more than a decade ago.

However, its lanes are restricted to suburban areas, with the council’s General Manager Matthew Atkins remaining tight-lipped about whether they would be extended into the Devonport CBD.

In contrast, the city’s neighbours, Central Coast and Burnie, have indicated they are in the early stages of potentially implementing bike lanes.

Best Street Devonport. Picture: Elders

During the Central Coast Council’s June meeting, in response to a question from a ratepayer, its Chief Executive Officer Barry Omundson said it had considered implementing lanes at Ulverstone in the past.

“The council have only recently engaged with the Department of State Growth who are in the process of creating a cycling network planning guide, and as such were still not clear on the outcomes of the project ourselves,” Mr Omundson said.

“They have nominated Central Coast to be a part of the initial stages of the project and as an area to assess the guidelines.

“Once the guide is completed, this will provide the council with the ability to consider cycling networks, how they might be achieved, and to create a network plan.”

Along with the Glenorchy City Council, a State Growth spokesperson confirmed it had been in conversation with Central Coast.

“The Department of State Growth is beginning to create guidelines for designing active transport networks, for cycling and walking, that effectively and efficiently connect a region’s important locations, like schools, parks, shops and jobs.

“We recognise there is currently limited guidance and resources available for the development of active transport plans, which can complicate the development of these initiatives.”

Mayor of Burnie Council Teeny Brumby. Picture: supplied

In Burnie, its mayor Teeny Brumby said the soon-to-be-released initial draft of the council’s CBD urban plan included potential designs for bike lanes.

“This is, however, just our initial concepts, and the council is looking forward to

soon engaging with the community to seek their input for the co-design stage of the urban plan,” she said.

“The community will have the opportunity to provide their thoughts on what they like about the plan, and the things they don’t.

“Alongside the Urban Plan, the council will also develop a Connected Pathways Plan in 2024-25 that will guide funding applications to link Council’s existing walkways and cycleways to increase recreation and active transport options across the city.”

For Devonport, Mr Atkins said the city’s suburban bike lanes had received positive reactions despite community concerns about the loss of parking spaces on the impacted streets.

“The lanes did not impact traffic flow, and in some cases, improved safety with driveway sightlines increased by the removal of car parking,” he said.

“The lanes provide a safer option for riders than mixing with heavy traffic.

“They also send a positive message that the council supports other forms of transport than the private motor car.”