Tasmania’s Transport Minister has called for plans to install bike lanes on both sides of Collins Street to be scrapped, following a survey that suggests the majority of the community is against them.
Having already stripped the Hobart City Council of $170,000 in funding for the project, Minister Eric Abetz said the findings must be noted.
“The data has shown that 56% of respondents from the Hobart area are opposed to the idea of bike lanes on Collins Street,” Abetz said.
“This is a message loud and clear to the Hobart City Council that the community does not want this.”
He said considerable concerns about the planned changes have been raised by everyone from local business owners to bus drivers and commuters.
“Proposals should be determined on their merits and a weighing up of all aspects,” Abetz said.
“I trust that the councillors will reconsider the community’s views and their response in light of today’s survey results.”
The survey conducted by EMRS found 56% of respondents from within the Hobart City Council area opposed the plan, while only 41% supported it.
Confederation of Greater Hobart Business Chair Edwin Johnstone has launched a petition that will ultimately trigger a costly elector poll the issue, which he says can be avoided if the council choose to pedal back the proposal.
“This research makes clear that the council’s proposed dual-bike lanes are opposed by the majority of Hobartians, with good reason,” Johnstone said.
More on this story: City of Hobart takes $170,000 from emergency fund for Collins Street dual bike lane project
“By severely curtailing vehicle access and parking, these changes will smash local traders who are already battling high inflation, high interest rates and depressed economic conditions.”
“We call on Hobart City Council to scrap their foolish bike lane proposal, for the benefit of small business and shoppers in Hobart.”
