A recent briefing note, in The Mercury, from the Hobart City Council and signed by Lord Mayor Damon Thomas and Alderman Dr John Freeman attempts to clarify
confusion regarding the Sandy Bay Cycleway.
Correctly there is a focus on safety and road user equity.
Over some years there has been a considerable amount of ratepayers’ money spent on expert consultant reports to ensure appropriate, safe design of the cycleway. Much time has been invested in extensive community consultation.
In recent weeks an alternative proposal has been put forward and considered, but it has a critical design fault. One of the most serious risks for bike riders is “dooring”.
In a dooring accident the door of a parked car is opened into the path of a bike rider who is unable to avoid collision. Doorings can result in serious injury and death.
Doorings are not freak accidents, they are avoidable. The alternative Sandy Bay Cycleway proposal fails the safety test in that it does not separate bike riders from parked cars.
Parked cars were removed from the river side of Sandy Bay road in the experts plan but they are allowed in the recent proposal. The recent proposal should be scrapped.
The recent alternative proposal if adopted would mean that the experts fees have been wasted and, much worse, that motorists and passengers are at risk of inflicting injuries and death on bike riders. The legal implications for Hobart City Council abandoning a safer, expert endorsed design for a less safe one must be considered.
Last year I rode a bike around Copenhagen, I felt safe and respected by car drivers. Motorists are amongst the beneficiaries of increased bike use in commuting as there is less vehicular congestion.
A win-win is possible here in Hobart.
