There’s a new cycleway into town thanks to the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, which has opened a shared path through its site.
The path starts at the edge of the John Colvin Memorial Grandstand at the Regatta Grounds and wends through the site to exit half way down Evans Street.
While the Intercity Cycleway continues down Davey Street not far from the new path, it has a few issues that will make the Macquarie Point path more appealing for some riders.
The Intercity Cycleway has to cross a poorly connected turning space and driveway and the paving on the southern section is bumpy and uncomfortable to ride on.
In contrast, the Macquarie Point path is smooth asphalt that widens out to 4 metres after the initial 3 metres and has no obstacles.
There is a pedestrian and bicycle refuge on Evans Street to allow easier crossing at the end of the path, with riders able to head left for the waterfront or right to get onto Davey Street.
The next Super Tuesday bicycle count on 5 March will have a counter stationed on Evans Street to measure the uptake of the new path.
While the City of Hobart has agreed to build a connection between the McVilly Drive end of the Intercity Cycleway and the new Macquarie Point path, there are no plans to do so until the official extension of the cycleway is built through the site.
The official extension is the 3 metre wide section that then turns off to exit onto Davey Street. It’s being held up by engineering works that need to happen on the site before the cycleway can be built.
There is currently no signage or direction for riders to find the new path at the McVilly Drive end, but it is easy to get to by riding through the car park and the road down to the front of the grandstand.
The McVilly Drive end of the cycleway will need new signage once the Remembrance Bridge opens in March so the new path could be included in that work.
Macquarie Point Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mary Massina said the new path gives riders connection through to Salamanca.
“It’s been a joy to see the number of people already utilising the cycleway on bikes, scooters and skateboards as well as people walking and running on the path. And all this before it has been officially opened,” Ms Massina said.
“We know that the Intercity Cycleway carries up to 1200 cyclists per day and we look forward to seeing how many people will traverse our site to explore this new connection. We also know that more and more commuters are choosing to avoid the traffic and ride to work so this new cycleway through Mac Point becomes a vital link.”
Macquarie Point is due to open the Long.House next month, which will feature a pop-up restaurant run by renowned chef Luke Burgess as well as offices and a performance space.
Listen to Bicycle Network spokesperson Alison Hetherington on ABC Hobart talking about the new path at the 1.51 mark.