The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing in the infrastructure we need to drive economic growth and create jobs.
Premier Will Hodgman said improving road safety was a key priority for the Government, and the strong focus on vulnerable road users, including cyclists, was about saving lives.
“That’s why in this Budget we are investing $5 million over the next four years to improve safety along popular cycling routes on State roads for all road users, starting with Channel Highway at Bonnet Hill, near Hobart,” Mr Hodgman said.
“We are absolutely committed to a safer road for all road users at Bonnet Hill, so we will invest over $1 million to extend a widened sealed shoulder, with new linemarkings, to the left hand side of the uphill sections of the Channel Highway for the 4.5 km section from Proctors Road to Baringa Road, with works expected to commence this summer.
“While these works will create a ‘safer space’ for cyclists using the road around Bonnet Hill, they will also improve the overall functionality of the road and reduce crash risk for all road users.
“By delivering cost-effective road improvements such as road widening, sealed shoulders and better line marking to existing popular cycling routes, we will build on the momentum and the gains we have already made in cycling safety, across Tasmania.”
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said all new State roads and major upgrades in urban areas were required to meet the Government’s Positive Provision Policy for Cycling Infrastructure.
“This means that all new State roads along major cycling routes will include cycling-friendly facilities, such as wider 2 metre shoulders – as is being provided in the Perth to Breadalbane project design on the Midland Highway – dedicated cycle lanes, or off-road cycle paths,” Mr Hidding said.
“We’ve already rolled out new advisory signage with the message ‘Pass Cyclists Safely’ to help improve the safety of cyclists on popular cycling routes across the State.
“To complement these new signs, changes were made to the Tasmanian road rules to allow motorists to cross centre lines to pass cyclists, when safe to do so. These changes came into effect recently.”
House of Assembly Speaker and Member for Denison Elise Archer welcomed the planned improvements.
“Having advocated strongly for these improvements since I was first approached as the local Member last year, I am pleased with this outcome which will mean our community can feel safe travelling this busy stretch of road, whether driving, cycling, catching a bus or walking,” Ms Archer said.
For more information, including Statewide “Pass Cyclist Safely” sign locations, visit: www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadsafety/roads/cyclist_warning_signs
The changes to the road rules are now in force. For more information visit: www.transport.tas.gov.au/centrelines