Tom Baxter (Division of Nelson)
Encourage active transport as a healthy and safe option
I will pursue funding for measures to encourage and proactively
facilitate Tasmanians of all ages taking up active, healthy transport options –
and make our streets safer for those who do so. My general
bike vision for Hobart-Kingston is similar to that the Greens are pursuing in
Perth (plus some extra measures for our hills such as wider shoulders and pull
in lanes!) – pls see details at: http://www.greenswa.net.au/bikevision
Public education and skill development for children and adults
We need to promote public education and behavioural change programs (such
as bike education courses) for children through schools and for adults. We need
greater education for drivers to normalise bike riders as legitimate road users,
equally deserving of courtesy and respect. For example, driver licence training
and testing should include more about cyclists’ rights and how to share the
road safely with them. Driver licence tests should include learner drivers
crossing on-road treated bike lanes (eg Molle St, Campbell St or Argyle St).
Some failures for crossing illegally (“You just killed a cyclist!”) should help
instil bikes and bike-lane awareness in Learner Driver training.
Bike infrastructure to encourage more riding
To encourage more cycling we need better bike infrastructure along
commuter routes (see below). For example, broader road shoulders to add cycling
lanes and pull in lanes for cyclists (or slow drivers) heading uphill on routes
such as Huon Road and the Channel Highway.
We also need secure, undercover bike racks in town, at work or at school The
University’s bike storage facilities in Alexander Street between the Law
Faculty and Staff Club are a great example, including solar powered charging
for bike batteries!
Bike racks should be permanently installed on as many buses as possible,
particularly those servicing routes which are popular with cyclists – or hilly!
The Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project, etc, to encourage active
transport in Nelson
The Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project is a key element to facilitate
an integrated active transport network in Nelson. We need to get design right,
for the safety of bike riders and pedestrians, young and old.
We then need to get on and get it funded and implemented, to increase the
confidence of everyone to ride along Sandy Bay Rd.
I will support the work and vision of Bike Tas, Greens local councillors,
the Greens Minster for Sustainable Transport, and others in pursuing funding for
the Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project. This should include separated bike
lanes to make Sandy Bay Road safe for all levels of cyclists – and for pedestrians
– including at key points such as Sandy Bay Infant School and Lipscombe Larder.
I’ll also pursue a Battery Point foreshore walkway and cycleway, similar
to that along the Brisbane River.
And I’ll promote measures to make the Channel Highway safer for cyclists (eg
broadening shoulders and proper line-marking).