A leading road safety organisation has thrown its support behind the controversial bike lane proposal for Collins Street in Hobart, praising the initiative for its focus on protecting vulnerable road users.
Peter Frazer, President of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, has endorsed the City of Hobart’s project, saying it aligns with SARAH’s nationally recognised motto: “Drive So Others Survive.”
“Actively protecting all those who are vulnerable, especially our cyclists, is of paramount importance,” said Frazer, who established SARAH after his daughter Sarah was killed in a roadside crash in 2012.
The Transforming Collins Street project includes separated bike lanes and improved pedestrian access, targeting the Collins and Harrington streets intersection.
Data reveals Hobart has recorded 718 crashes between vehicles and active transport users in the decade from 2014, including 511 involving pedestrians and 207 with cyclists.
Many other minor incidents are understood to regularly go unreported.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has welcomed SARAH’s endorsement.
“Everyone should be able to move around the city safely, and this project is about making that possible – whether you’re walking, riding or driving,” Reynolds said.
“The figures show how dangerous this area can be for active transport users, so that is why it is so important to install this infrastructure and begin the trial.”
Meanwhile, leading Tasmanian business groups have joined forces to challenge the council’s implementation of the project.
Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Robert Mallett said Collins Street traders have “had enough” with the bike lane proposal, which also lacks state government support.
“Hobart City Council has shown absolute disdain for small businesses in Collins Street,” Mallett said.
“Last Tuesday’s public meeting was an exercise in council and the pro-cycling lobbying lecturing to small business, rather than listening.”
“The pro-cycling lobby at the meeting even voted against a motion asking that the council engage in ethical, evidence-based decision making,” he said.
The groups now have less than thirty days to gather 1,000 signatures from Hobart electors to trigger a non-binding elector poll to gauge public sentiment on the bike lane proposal
Bicycle Network Tasmania’s Alison Hetherington said any possible poll would be “a costly exercise in making a point” that Hobart ratepayers will have to bear.
“Separated cycleways, lower speeds and more pedestrian crossings will make Collins Street a safer place for the hundreds of people who work and visit there every day,” she said.
