Pedalling forward with dual upgrade to busy Hobart street

Published on 10 January 2025

Liverpool Street is set for a dual upgrade as the City of Hobart temporarily installs separated bicycle lanes while reinstating car parking near the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).

The project balances the needs of cyclists, motorists, and emergency services while supporting healthier and more accessible transport options.

It reinstates important parking facilities, including a loading zone, eight general short-stay parking, and five designated spaces for police vehicles.

The new bike lanes will connect the Campbell Street facilities, the Rose Garden Bridge, and Argyle Street bicycle lanes, providing better access to the RHH and the city centre.

The initiative has received strong support from healthcare professionals at the RHH, who highlight the health benefits of encouraging active transport.

Funded through a $1.725 million Vulnerable Road User Program grant from the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, the bike lane installation is part of the Greater Hobart Commuter Cycling Network Plan.

Works will begin on Sunday, 12 January 2025, and are expected to be completed within the week, weather permitting.

The installation will be in place until the closure of the lane for construction work on the RHH resumes on the Liverpool Street side later this year.

More information about the project can be found here.

Quotes to be attributed to City Transport Committee Chair Cr Ryan Posselt:

“This is a win-win for Hobart.

“We’re reinstating vital parking spaces outside the city Police Station and along Liverpool Street, while also creating a safer, separated bike lane that links key parts of the city’s growing cycling network.

“These lanes will make cycling a more attractive option for people of all ages and abilities.

“By creating a safe, separated connection, we’re helping more people feel confident about choosing cycling over driving, which has great health, environmental, and congestion benefits.

“Reinstating parking outside the Royal Hobart Hospital is also a big win for patients and their families.

“It provides convenient short-stay spaces for those dropping off or picking up loved ones for appointments, making access to the hospital easier and less stressful.

“These separated bike lanes are a trial, and we’ll be closely monitoring its success over the next year.

“We know the city is constantly evolving, and this project shows how we can adapt street infrastructure to meet the needs of all road users.”

Quotes to be attributed to Royal Hobart Hospital Clinical Associate Professor Dr Anna Johnston:

“The upgrade of Liverpool Street with a new separated bicycle lane is another vital connection for Hobart’s bike network.

“As a doctor I am delighted that staff and visitors to the Royal Hobart Hospital will be able to more safely travel by bicycle between RHH and home or the city.

“Active transport is a very powerful way to improve health, as well as being a really pleasant way to travel.

“Safer routes open it up to more people to enjoy.”

Quotes to be attributed to Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Dr Dominic Lang:

“Many RHH staff ride bikes to work and this Liverpool Street bike lane, together with others across Hobart, will make their commute safer and more enjoyable.

“We know many staff at RHH would like to ride to work but don't because it doesn't feel safe. Better bike infrastructure like this will encourage them to come to work on their bike instead of in their car.

“People on bikes can receive serious injuries when they're hit by a car. Protected bike lanes like this one means we'll see less trauma in the emergency department.

“If people in Hobart can become more active by doing some of their everyday trips on a bike, they'll be much healthier in future and avoid common health problems like heart attacks, strokes and diabetes."