Evans Street bicycle signal
Efforts to lengthen the green bicycle signal timing at the Evans Street and Intercity Cycleway intersection have been happening for years, but we think it may have finally reached the sweet spot.
In 2015 Bicycle Network successfully lobbied the City of Hobart and Department of State Growth to extend the green bicycle signal from 5 seconds to 15 seconds, still leaving a generous 105 seconds in the cycle.
While that was an improvement, the volume of people riding through meant that the green signal should ideally have been on for longer.
Transport consultant Knowles Tivendale visits the state regularly and was particularly annoyed by the unsafe signal timing.
He contacted the council and Department of State Growth with a new proposal for extending the green bicycle light to at least 40 seconds, which would have little effect on left-turning traffic (left turns still receive 60 seconds).
Within a couple of weeks the changes were made and we filmed the intersection for one hour in the morning to show him how it is operating.
We now have much improved safety for bicycle riders and pedestrians without any significant impact on left-turning traffic.
We'll be encouraging the department to take this approach at more intersections across the state – particularly those with high numbers of people walking as well.
Our next challenge is to get a bicycle signal installed at the Intercity Cycleway across Albert Road and Hopkins Street in Moonah.
Anyone willing to spend an hour taking video footage of these intersections should get in touch to kick-start our next micro-campaign.
Poles apart on the Channel Highway
One of our members contacted us recently to report his concerns about a pole along the Channel Highway as people are entering Taroona, coming from Bonnet Hill.
He had unfortunately lost control of his bike coming around a very tight bend and slammed into the pole.
His injuries required hospitilisation and time off work with several months of recovery.
He jumped back on his bike when he could and thought about the position of the pole whenever he rode past. He decided the pole could be moved just a few metres along the road and it would reduce the risk to other riders who may take the bend too fast.
We contacted the Department of State Growth about his concerns which had a team working nearby on the final stages of the shoulder widening and sealing project.
An engineer assessed the pole’s position and agreed that moving it would improve the safety of the bend. Within a few weeks the pole was in its new position.
Franklin Wharf closures include bike riders
Tasports has confirmed that its closures of Franklin Wharf to motor vehicles when cruise ships are in port also prohibits bike riders.
Riders are being asked to dismount and walk along Franklin Wharf between Hunter Street and Constitution Dock when a cruise ship is in port.
Bicycle Network is appealing to Tasports to review these conditions as bicycle riders already slow down for pedestrians on shared paths and footpaths, the road closure should be no different.
Most cruise ships are clearly visible so you can check whether one is in port before choosing the Franklin Wharf or Davey St path route.