My fears over the Sandy Bay Cycleway

I would like to share some of my concerns relating to the proposed changes to the Sandy Bay Cycleway. These were unfortunately rushed through last Monday’s (August 27 2012) HCC meeting process, introduced at a very late stage, and although I raised some queries when it was discussed, I did support it at the time, but feel that this was a mistake. I have since spent many hours pouring over the relevant documents, and feel strongly that the original proposal should be reconsidered as the design of choice for the cycleway.

I am afraid that with the Freeman-inspired changes, we will get a cycleway design that:

• does not increase cyclist safety,
• does not improve the attractiveness for commuter cyclists (I can provide many examples of people of all ages who do not ride because of the dangers currently),
• creates greater conflict between cyclists and pedestrians because of narrowed shared areas,
• reduces the width of dedicated bi-directional cycle lanes in some parts to a very narrow 1.1 m each lane, which may cause more head on collisions between cyclists, and
• actually increases road lane space for cars, which often means cars end up traveling at greater speeds anyway.

That’s not good for pedestrian and cyclist safety, as we know from the original SKM consultants’ safety reports.

Taking out all proposed roundabouts will increase the danger for cyclists who need to link onto the western side of Sandy Bay Rd, and drivers’ risks are not addressed either. The roundabouts would reduce the overall speed of commuters, which again is a better safety outcome, cyclists, pedestrians and car users alike.

Unlike the previous model, car parking spaces alongside the cycleway on the eastside of Sandy Bay Rd, are guaranteed under the Freeman-led solution. This would effectively reduce visibility for cyclists, pedestrians and car drivers alike, and would increase the risk of “dooring” – cycling into car doors – increasing the risk of serious injury and possibly death in those events. Even people driving, turning from or to the east into driveways or streets will have reduced visibility because of the obstacle of parked cars.

The good thing is that the report calls for a speed reduction along Sandy Bay Rd to 50 km per hour, but that is something that I would support anyway, and is desirable with the current model.

Evidence suggests that reducing vehicle speed from 60 to 50 kph reduces pedestrian fatalities by 40-45%, but reducing vehicle speeds from 50 to 40 kph reduces pedestrian fatalities by 50-70%, and further 50 to 30 kph reduces the risk of ped fatalities by 80-90%. (Taken from the council-commissioned SKM report).

The argument for significantly changing the model was that consistency in design is what is required, and so the Freeman solution has been one bidirectional cycleway from Marieville Esplanade to the Lower Sandy Bay shops. Unfortunately his suggestion is sub-optimal.

Sandy Bay Rd demands a solution that is right for the different sections, accommodatng the safety needs of all. The professional design which was proposed and considered at great length is what I believe we should be sticking to.

It dismays me that there can be such a departure from the original proposal, and I shall be calling for this to come back to Council for proper consideration of the initial proposal which had safety considerations carefully considered.

It also was set to cost less than the proposal to widen the footpath from the Marieville Esplanade to Long Point Road, so as to shove cyclists up put out of the way with pedestrians so that cars could just get on with driving. It’s a more expensive model, costing an estimated $450,000 extra.

The HCC has an obligation to redress the multitude of problems the new quick-fix potentially creates.

The link to the SKM report that the council commissioned is: http://www.hobartcity.com.au/files/05902259-d142-4977-a0a5-9dbc00a8cb42/SB19040_Sandy_Bay_Safety_Assessment__Final__v2(small).pdf

• Tuesday: Sign the petition …

There has been some mischief in the halls of Hobart Town Hall. We were led to believe that this proposal to have a complete revamp for most of the route is good, but on proper reflection, it is not at all desirable, and certainly not a well considered solution.

Please voice your support to let Aldermen know that the new proposal is not better for safety for any road users, and subverts the largest and most thorough public stakeholder process ever undertaken by the HCC.

SIGN THE PETITION! And please pass on.

http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/support-hobart-city-council-to-build-the-best-sandy-bay-walking-and-cycling-project-possible?time=1346644737

Helen Burnet
Alderman Hobart City Council
helenburnet@gmail.com