Riders united in support of new cycleway
Two doctors at the Royal Hobart Hospital have hailed the first separated cycleway in the city centre, saying cyclists will be much safer.
Dominic Lang, who works in the RHH’s emergency department, said the new lane in Campbell St between Brisbane and Davey streets was an important safety initiative for both cyclists and drivers.
“All too often I see the results of what happens when a car, or a bus or a truck crashes into a person on a bike. There is substantial risk of serious injuries or death with these incidents,” Dr Lang said.
“I look forward to seeing less trauma in the emergency department.”
He said the RHH was the biggest workplace in Hobart and the separated cycleway made it safer and easier to get to and from work.
Anne Johnston said she rode to work almost every day from Lenah Valley and described the new cycleway as “awesome”.
“For my husband and two teenage children, our main transport is by bicycle and I am pleased this makes it safer because I worry less about my children getting run over by a car,” Dr Johnston said.
The $1.725m project was jointly funded by the federal and state governments, and after operating for 12 months will be fully evaluated.
Similar separated bicycle lanes for Argyle St and Bathurst St are expected to open in early June.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the separated cycleway was “a significant step for Hobart” and essential city infrastructure.
“To tackle climate change it’s not enough to wait for our cars to transition to electric,” Ms Reynolds said.
“We also need to see many more of our journeys happening via public transport or in an active way, such as walking or by bike riding.”