SPEED LIMIT BID SPARKS BIG DEBATE
FIERCE debate between riders and drivers has been sparked by a Toowoomba cycling group’s bid to drop the CBD’s speed limit to 30km/h.
The Toowoomba Region Bicycle Users Group launched a campaign to urge the council to review the speed limit through the city centre, arguing it would make the area more safe for pedestrians and cyclists along with promoting active transport use.
Chronicle readers and motorists mostly spoke against the move, arguing it would lead to longer delays and more traffic jams.
“No it shouldn’t be decreased. Driving through the CBD takes so long now as you go light to light, it’s ridiculous,” Elise Yung wrote.
“Plenty of roads in Toowoomba, you bike riders don’t need to be in the CBD for the traffic to slow down, 40 is slow enough,” David Johnson added.
“How about pedestrians and others realise this and accept some personal responsibility for their actions,” Peter Solomon said.
Other respondents displayed antagonism towards cyclists, demanding they pay a registration fee.
“Time to start charging the bike users rego, they seem to have so much pull,” Jason Williams wrote.
“When they pay rego then they can have a say, and they obey the road rules,” Narelle Buckley also said.
There were supporters of the move, with some calling out the “vitriol” levied against cyclists.
“I think dropping the speed limit in the CBD is an excellent idea, for the safety of pedestrians too,” Audrey Beth wrote. “I find the hatred and vitriol against cyclists horrifying.”
The concept has some supporters in council, including Councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan.