Two council candidates say the Hobart and Glenorchy councils should jointly investigate a safer walking and cycling path linking West Moonah and Lenah Valley.
Hobart lord mayor candidate Marti Zucco and Glenorchy deputy mayor hopeful Marilena Di Florio are pushing for changes along Kalang Avenue.
Under their proposal, the path would start on the creek side of the road near Bimburra Road and follow Barossa Creek.
It would then cross Kalang Avenue near the Riding for the Disabled Association centre before continuing towards the Roy Fagan Centre and the Hobart boundary.
Most of the proposed route would sit within the Glenorchy municipality.
Zucco said council boundaries should not stand in the way of projects that improve safety for neighbouring communities.
“Kalang Avenue is narrow and winding and there are sections where pedestrians and cyclists are travelling far too close to passing vehicles,” he said.
He described it as “the type of cycling infrastructure I support”, saying it would not remove parking or create congestion on a major arterial road.
Di Florio said the path would be “a valuable community asset, particularly for families, older people, children and people with disabilities”.
“The Glenorchy and Hobart communities are closely connected,” she said.
“Our councils should be prepared to work together when a project crosses municipal boundaries or delivers benefits beyond one council area.”
The pair are calling on the councils to begin a joint feasibility and planning process involving landowners, residents and community groups.
The process would consider the route, land ownership, creek management, drainage, accessibility, road safety, costs and possible state and federal funding.
Any road crossing would be subject to traffic and engineering assessments.
Di Florio said residents should have a say in the final route and crossing location.
“This is not about imposing a predetermined design. It is about taking a strong concept to the community, listening carefully and working together to achieve the safest and most practical outcome,” she said.
