Tasmanian motorcyclists want to park on footpaths to helps reduce peak-hour traffic congestion

Motorcyclists are pushing to be allowed to park on Tasmanian footpaths to help reduce peak-hour traffic congestion.

Damien Codognotto on the centre strip near the corner of Elizabeth and Macquarie streets where bike riders are now fined if they park. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

MOTORCYCLISTS are pushing to be allowed to park on Tasmanian footpaths to help reduce peak hour traffic congestion.

Under a Victorian law, which has operated in that state since the 1980s, motorcyclists can park their bikes on the footpath unless a sign says they can’t and provided they don’t block pedestrians, delivery vehicles, public transport users or parked cars.

Independent Riders’ Group spokesman Damien Codognotto said changing the rule would encourage more workers to commute on motorcycles or scooters.

“We need to give single vehicle occupants an alternative,” he said.

“One of the ways to address congestion in Hobart and Launceston is to get more people on motorbikes and scooters.

“The role footpath parking plays is the ability of a commuter to get to work and park economically, and save money and time on travel.”

And he said it was in riders’ interests not to block footpaths.

“They don’t want to abuse it because they know how good it is and don’t want to lose it,” he said.

“Riders respect it and park sensibly. They don’t want to come back and find their machine damaged, so they are careful.”

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He said colourful bikes parked in various locations would also make the city more vibrant.

Mr Codognotto was part of the team that helped introduce the rule into Victoria and said it had operated successfully for almost 40 years with virtually no complaints.

Tasmanian Motorcycle Council president Paul Bullock said narrower footpaths would prevent the law from being as effective in Tasmania.

But Mr Codognotto said the argument the law only worked in Melbourne because of wider streets was a “furphy”.

He said riders did not park on narrow footpaths in Victoria and the wording of the law excluded streets with slender sidewalks.

Mr Bullock said they had worked with Hobart, Launceston and Devonport councils to try and develop more free parking areas for motorbikes.

He said another option was to make the first parking spot next to a driveway for bikes only.

“If you can get three bikes in there it would also improve the safety for drivers pulling out by increasing their sight,” he said.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said she was open to meeting with motorcyclists to hear how to make commuting easier for them.

“Motorcycles and scooters are clearly an efficient way to get around,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Every person on a motorbike uses less space than one person sitting in a car.”

She said riding could also a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option because it generally used less petrol and generated fewer emissions.

There are currently 214 motorcycle parking bays at 25 locations across Hobart CBD.

A State Government spokeswoman said they already had a comprehensive plan to reduce traffic congestion and had no plans to allow motorcyclists to park on footpaths.

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