To keep 1.5 metres away from others is impossible on many of our narrow paths and there is no safe, on-road space for bicycles. With the COVID-19 restrictions in place we have seen many more people take to our footpaths, shared paths and roads to walk, ride and run for exercise. The problem is that our paths and roads are not set up for significant numbers of people walking and riding, let alone when they are required to stay 1.5 metres away from others. Most suburban paths are less than 1.5 metres wide and some of the wider recreational paths are so crowded it’s difficult to maintain distancing. Many people are getting on bikes for the first time or after a long absence. They are not comfortable riding in traffic, but other than riding on paths there are no other options for them. No Tasmanian town has a network of separated cycleways that would make people feel comfortable riding for exercise or to get to shops, services and visiting family and friends.
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Local and state government can use quiet road space to make paths wider and create pop-up separated cycleways. All around the world cities are recognised that there is not enough space for people walking and riding to physically distance safely. While traffic is so light they are taking road space normally set aside for vehicles and creating wider paths and pop-up bike lanes. Some cities are closing streets to through traffic or dropping the speed limits significantly to create safer places for people walking and riding. Australian cities have been slow to create more safer spaces, but we should be supporting all those people who are getting out into their local streets to exercise or ride for transport. It’s also a great time for councils and government to trial all those projects that have been talked about for years, like separated cycleways networks in Hobart and Launceston. Our local councillors and parliamentarians should know that people are eager to have more safer spaces to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic, so write to them, Facebook them, Tweet them or call them and let them know what you think. If there is a particular road you think would be suitable to have pop-up bike lanes, wider paths or slower speed limits in your area, let them know. Photographs are also helpful to make your case. Download our table of contact details for your local member of parliament or local council mayor. Contact your local member of parliament or mayor to let them know you need more space to walk and ride. Spread the word – share this campaign with your friends and decision-makers on social.
The problem
Tasmanian cities and towns do not have networks of separated cycleways or wide enough paths.
COVID-19 Restrictions
Australians keen to ride out coronavirus
Perfect time for a family bike ride
Virus shutdown could open up streets
Can I still ride my bike outdoors?
The solution
CURRENT STATUS
Write to your local politicians
Here’s a few easy ways you can help get more space created for people walking and riding.
Write to the politicians
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