The City of Hobart’s Transforming Collins Street trial has received strong support from one of Australia’s key road safety organisations.
President of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, Peter Frazer, has endorsed the project, saying it embraces 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.
“I am proud that the City of Hobart is one of SARAH’s Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Councils, and I commend it for its dedication to improve safety.”
Frazer established the SARAH Group after his daughter Sarah was tragically killed in a roadside crash in 2012. He praised the City of Hobart for taking real action to protect vulnerable road users.
“This important undertaking will not only increase active transport options, and in doing so improve the health of Tasmanians here in Hobart, but will also help ensure the safety of all those who use our roads and paths.”
The Transforming Collins Street project is trialling safety features including separated bike lanes and improved pedestrian access—especially important at the busy intersection of Collins and Harrington streets, which has the highest density of crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians with vehicles in the area in the past five years (two cyclist crashes, including one serious crash, and five pedestrian crashes including one serious crash).
The additional pedestrian safety measures including the new zebra crossing in the middle of Victoria and Harrington Street was also applauded by Frazer.
The trial has received some opposition from a minority of businesses in the area who wish to retain unsafe 1950’s transport infrastructure in the Tasmanian capital.
Opponents of the trial have already cost the Hobart Council $170,000 in lost funding plus about $10,000 for a public meeting which resolved decisively to back the improvements.
Across the city from 2014 to 2024, Hobart has witnessed 718 crashes between active transport users and vehicles, including 511 involving pedestrians and 207 cyclists – and these are only the crashes reported to authorities with many less serious or near misses going unreported.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the endorsement from SARAH was a powerful reminder of the importance of safer street design.
“The City is proud to have the backing of SARAH for this important trial,” said Reynolds.
“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.
“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.”
The upgrades are due to be completed and opened during National Road Safety Week (5–12 May), a week dedicated to remembering lives lost on roads and highlighting the need for change.
“As we come up to National Road Safety Week this May, we ask every Australian to “Drive So Others Survive!” and our reason is simple, everyone has a right to #GetHomeSafe to their loved ones, every day, no exceptions!” said Frazer.
