CLARENCE STREET BIKE LANES
Together we can create a safer route down Clarence Street.
#TOGETHERWECAN
The problem
Clarence Street is the most direct route for commuting bicycle riders
Clarence Street links Howrah and Bellerive but it is not safe to ride and needs dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Clarence Street is an important route for cycling, especially for commuter riders, as it is the most direct connection between Bellerive and Howrah.
Clarence Street has a history of crashes, many of which are traffic collisions with parked cars. Traffic levels are high and fast moving. Riding to school is unsafe for the students of several schools on or near Clarence Street. There is a need to improve the road for all users.
A comprehensive community engagement process, initiated by Clarence Council, developed recommendations to improve safety for all road users on Clarence Street.
However, in December 2015 a majority of aldermen disregarded advice from their own officers and the community reference group to consider bike safety in the redesign of what is a busy, crash-prone major arterial road.
The solution
Clarence Council needs to build cycling infrastructure along the street.
Clarence Street is wide enough for most of its length to install separated bike lanes or a wide shared path to provide greater comfort and safety for people wanting to access Bellerive village, the ferry terminal and Eastlands shopping centre.
It would be a quick, direct link between the shared path along South Arm Highway with the Foreshore Trail.
The Clarence Street connection is listed in:
- Clarence Bicycle Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2017
- Hobart Regional Arterial Bicycle Network Plan (2009).
- Principal Urban Cycling Network – South (2012).
The easier we can make it for people to ride bikes or walk, the easier it is for people to make the choice to leave the car at home, which benefits everyone.
CURRENT STATUS
- the Greater Hobart AAA Cycling Network Plan 2023 proposes infrastructure on the length of Clarence Street.
- Minor linemarking works proposed in 2019 include bicycle storage boxes at a couple of intersections.
- A community petition in support of the safety improvements was lodged with the council in 2016. This was rejected and a further proposal led by alderman Sharyn von Bertouch was presented later that year and also rejected.
Here’s a few easy ways you can help.
Contact aldermen
Contact the Clarence City Council aldermen to let them know the infrastructure is important to you.
Share on social
Spread the word – share this campaign with your friends and decision-makers on social.