Questions and Answers
What is happening?
The City of Hobart is proposing to introduce a trial arrangement of bicycle lanes on Campbell Street and Argyle Street (between Brisbane Street and Davey Street) and Bathurst Street and Liverpool Street (between Campbell Street and Argyle Street).
The trial is planned to commence before the end of 2020. The changes will grow the City’s dedicated bicycle lane provision and make it safer and easier for people to access the city by bike.
Why is the City of Hobart installing bicycle lanes?
Improving our network of bicycle facilities is supported by Hobart’s Community Vision and draft Transport Strategy, RACT’s Greater Hobart Mobility Vision, the Tasmanian Government’s Hobart Transport Vision, and the Australian and Tasmanian Governments’ Hobart City Deal.
The bicycle lanes will provide improved connectivity between the city and the new Rose Garden Bridge and Queens Domain, Intercity Cycleway and Sullivans Cove. Taking this next step in completing a continuous bicycle network for Hobart will support more people to access and move around the city by bicycle.
When will the trial start?
The installation of the trial bicycle lanes is planned for late 2020. Before we install the trial bicycle lanes, it’s important that we consult with property owners, occupiers and business operators in the relevant city blocks. We will be in touch with you to provide more information around installation dates closer to the time.
What will happen after the trial?
The trial will be evaluated and a report provided to the Hobart City Council to consider whether to install the bicycle lanes permanently, and if so, what design changes might need to be made to further improve outcomes for all road users.
Will access to my property be affected during installation of the trial bicycle lanes?
There might be some temporary interruptions to the way properties are accessed during the installation. However, we will give you advance warning of any works that might affect your access, working with you to make alternative arrangements during any disruption.
Will there be any changes to traffic arrangements during installation?
We will consider the most efficient way to get the works done to minimise any traffic disruption.
What’s going to happen to parking during installation and while the trial is operating?
A few individual car-parking spaces will be removed on some blocks to ensure the safety of road users. Parking changes will vary in different sections of the trial. Please consult the plans and commentary provided for your street location to see what changes are proposed in your area.
‘Clearway’ lanes will be introduced on some blocks. In these lanes, parking will not be allowed during morning and evening peak traffic times (it is expected that the clearways would operate between 7am - 9am and 4pm - 6pm subject to change as the trial progresses). At other times, when there is less traffic, parking will be allowed.
Could adding these bicycle lanes increase peak-hour traffic congestion?
The proposal has been considered by independent traffic engineering consultants GHD. Observations (of conditions prior to COVID-19 restrictions) indicated that there was enough road capacity to accommodate the new bicycle lanes.
How can I share my thoughts about the trial?
Please share your feedback using the online feedback form.
What happens with my feedback?
In December 2019, the Council resolved that proposed bicycle lanes be trialled for a 12-month period following consultation with key stakeholders, in particular owners and occupiers of properties adjacent to the proposed new bicycle lanes. Your feedback will be included in a report to the Council, which will make the final decision on how the trial will proceed.