2000+ signatures petition supports Sandy Bay Rd Cycle/Walk Way

Hobart City Council has been presented with a petition of over 2000 signatures in support of the proposed cycle/walkway along Sandy Bay Rd.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Helen Burnet, who presented the petition at Tuesday’s Council meeting said the number of petitioners offering their support for the cycle way was a clear sign of overwhelming support, and in contrast to petitions tabled in September 2010 asking for retention of parking.

The petition received stated that the undersigned ‘Support the current consultation process in regard to the Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project and the proposed designs for the cycle facilities and road infrastructure changes ‘.

Alderman Burnet said:

“It is very encouraging to see the widespread public support for the concept of a cycleway along Sandy Bay Rd. Signatories are from Sandy Bay to other areas of our city and beyond. The very strong show of public support for improved cycle infrastructure along Sandy Bay Rd should be a clear message to all that there is widespread support for the current proposal and the extensive consultation already undertaken.

Utmost in my mind is the safety of people riding to and from work, for recreation and we know full well that the current situation can and should be improved.

As the Council vote on the project draws near I encourage my fellow Aldermen to acknowledge the overwhelming community support for the Cycle/Walk Way.”

The design has raised controversy due to on street parking in some places being replaced a by bi-directional Copenhagen style Cycleway and on-road cycle lanes.

Chair of the Tasmanian Bicycle Council Liam Correy, said that while opposition to the proposed design had focused on the loss of car parking, it is interesting to note that a report commissioned by the group ‘Citizens opposed to the Sandy Bay Road Bi-directional Cycle Way’ recommended that parking would have to be removed for improved outcomes for all road users.

“I think we have a clear picture that there is strong community support for the Cycle/Walk way and I look forward to the near future when families and people not so confident with riding on the road can make the trip by bike from Marieville Esplanade to the beach at lower Sandy Bay.

“Opponents to the proposal have unfortunately played with people’s fears about change to their advantage, but thankfully the community has remained in support of the project”.

Bicycle Tasmania President Jeff Dunn, said experience in Melbourne and Sydney and shown that such a facility would be hugely popular in no time and after a few months people would see the significant benefits.

Other councils developing cycleways around the world have initially met significant levels of largely unfounded opposition. I hope people can see the overwhelming benefits of adding this cycle way to the growing network in Hobart”.

Contact: Helen Burnet: 0417 284 267 Liam Correy: 0419 519 886