A Collins Street business says it has been “blindsided” by the City of Hobart’s plans to transform Collins Street into a two-lane cycleway.
The two-year trial proposes removing 59 on-street carparks and keeping just 27, while potentially adding parklets, dining spaces and planter boxes.
Alderman Marti Zucco, who opposed the project and called for proper consultation, read an email from an upset business that has operated on the street for 35 years.
“The decision to implement a major infrastructure project such as a bike way on Collins Street requires careful consideration and thorough consultation with the affected community,” Zucco read.
“We were visited unannounced two weeks ago and shown a design … and asked for our input and concerns, however the limited timeframe provided for residents and businesses to respond to this proposal undermines the principals of transparency, inclusivity and democratic decision making.”
“Many residents and businesses, ourselves included, feel blindsided by the sudden detail of the project and are deeply frustrated by the lack of opportunity to voice our concerns and suggestions in a timely manner.”
Will Coats, John Kelly, Louise Elliot and Louise Bloomfield joined Zucco in voting against the project.
Supporting the trial, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said cycle lanes are being implemented in capital cities “everywhere” and acknowledged they may not get the support of “100% of businesses”.
“They’re always challenging to put in because some business object to them, so what we’re experiencing here is not unusual,” she said.
“Just because someone arrives by car doesn’t make them a better customer … there are so many reasons why people come to a shop.”
“We’ll always make room for cars … cars are not being blocked out of these areas .. what we’re doing is sharing the space.”
She refuted claims from the Collins Street business who suggested cyclists who choose to ride in the city were a “minority group”, saying government data indicates 3,300 bike trips are taken in the municipality daily.
1,298 people indicated their support for the project in a petition presented at Monday night’s meeting, many of whom took part in a community ride event down Collins Street on Sunday.
Mike Dutta, Ryan Posselt, Gemma Kistos, Ben Lohberger, Bill Harvey and Zelinda Sherlock joined Reynolds in supporting the project.
The council endorsed the concept plan and voted to proceed with further engagement and detailed design, with work potentially set to begin by the second half of the year and be completed by 2025.