HEALTHY TRANSPORT HOBART

Photo from the Mercury Newspaper

From the Mercury: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/09/23/174645_tasmania-news.html

CYCLISTS are breathing a sigh of relief as a much-needed ramp promises to make the risky Tasman Bridge crossing a little easier.

Work is well under way on the shared footpath ramp, which will replace 24 steps on the city side of the bridge.

Bicycle groups have long campaigned for the ramp, which was announced by Premier David Bartlett in February last year as one of a number of improvements.

Tasmanian Bicycle Council chairman Liam Correy said it would be particularly useful for Eastern Shore cyclists who rode to the city.

“It’s really important for cyclists to have a smooth, uninterrupted journey and the steps on the southern side are a significant interruption and a safety hazard, especially if it’s wet or dark. Negotiating steps with a bike is not the easiest thing to do,” Mr Correy said.

“It’s fantastic news because it’s such a barrier cycling to and from the Eastern Shore so any small improvement to safety and amenity will have a positive impact.

“Negotiating the bridge at the best of times is difficult, with the winds and trucks and buses whizzing past.”

Mr Correy said the fire hydrants had been modified so cyclists would no longer risk smashing their knees.

The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources said the ramp work was being done by Vec Civil Engineering and was expected to be completed by mid-October.

During construction a 40km/h speed limit is in place for motorists travelling from Hobart towards the Tasman Bridge exiting at the Domain Highway off-ramp.

No more fire hydrants

Posted for the love of good news by Liam.C