Liverpool Street bicycle lane fact sheet(PDF, 998KB)
Why are we doing this?
The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) redevelopment contractor had a work zone on Liverpool Street in front of the RHH. They advised the City of Hobart that they do not currently require the work zone as of January 2025. The removal of the work zone allowed the bike lane to be installed.
The bike lane was approved as part of the Council's decision on the Argyle Street and Campbell Street bike lane project.
Parking has also been reinstated on the Police Station side of the street. In the future, the street might need to return to a work zone for the RHH refurbishment.
These lanes provide an important link in the City's bicycle lane network. They provide more options for people travelling to, through and around the city. They are particularly useful for bicycle riders accessing:
- the Royal Hobart Hospital
- the city from the Campbell Street bike lanes
- the Rose Garden Bridge.
They connect with existing on-road bicycle lanes on Campbell Street and Liverpool Street.
How was this project funded?
The project was funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments through a $1.725 million Vulnerable Road User Program grant.
How do the separated lanes work?
Separated bicycle lanes are positioned between the kerb and parking spaces or travel lanes. They increase the perception of safety and comfort for bicycle riders and vehicle drivers in busier traffic. The trial lanes in Liverpool Street use line marking and flexible bollards to delineate the space. This is the same as the ones installed on both Campbell Street and Argyle Street.
The lanes may also be used by micromobility devices such as e-scooters.
Signs and other treatments at signalised intersections have been added to help road users understand and comply with the changes.
What are the project benefits?
Along the right-hand side of Liverpool Street in the direction of travel, this project reinstates:
- parking for Police and emergency services outside the City Police Station
- some general access short stay parking
- a loading zone.
The bicycle lane connects the Campbell Street bicycle lanes to:
- the RHH staff and public bicycle parking area
- the central CBD blocks
- the Argyle Street bicycle lanes.
Will people use this bicycle lane?
Providing safer separated cycle lane connections makes cycling more accessible. Especially to a anyone who would otherwise be intimidated by cycling amongst vehicle traffic. It is therefore expected that an increasing number of people will utilise these lanes. This will increase more as an overall connected network across the city is developed.
Will any parking be removed?
No, in fact parking is being reinstated as part of this project. The parking on the Tasmania Police side of the Liverpool Street comprises of:
- a 12m length of Loading zone
- 8 metered parking spaces
- space for 5 police vehicles outside the City Police Station.
How will access to the Royal Hobart Hospital be affected?
There will be no impacts on access to the RHH for motor vehicles. In fact, access for bicycles to the RHH will be improved.
What does this project strategically align to?
This is part of the Greater Hobart Cycling Plan.
Will adding these bicycle lanes increase traffic congestion?
There is no change in lane capacity on this block as part of these changes. Therefore, there will be no increase in congestion.
When and how will the effectiveness of the bike lanes be evaluated?
A report on the Argyle Street and Campbell Street bicycle lane trial will be provided to the Council after a year of operation. This Liverpool Street component is part of that trial. This is planned for the later part of 2025.
Why are these bike lanes a trial?
The Argyle Street, Campbell Street, Liverpool Street and Bathurst Street bicycle lanes have been installed as a trial. Reporting will occur after a year of operation. This will allow us to understand what further enhancements and improvements might be required.
The trial also recognises that in some parts of the city, especially around the RHH, ongoing building and redevelopment work may require changes to street infrastructure to accommodate our evolving city.