Darwin Proposes 40kmh Speed Limit and Cycleways for CBD

Darwin, NT

Darwin residents have been invited to give their opinions on a proposed introduction of bike lanes in the city centre, and plans to cut CBD speed limits.

The City of Darwin wants to know the public’s view on the introduction of defined bicycle lanes in the CBD, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said.

“More people are riding bikes to work nowadays and it’s something we want to encourage because it fits with City of Darwin’s aim for a cleaner greener city. But we have to find a way of safely accommodating bike riders in our road safety mix,” he said in a council statement.

The council is also conducting a community survey to gauge public sentiment on a proposal to cut speed limits from a number of central Darwin roads from 50kmh to 40kmh.

A recent study from City of Darwin last November revealed more than 85% of motorists in the CBD already drive at or below 40 kilometres per hour.

“City of Darwin is seeking feedback on reducing the speed limit in the CBD to 40 kilometres per hour, in order to prepare for the future. The proposed reduction aims to make way for diverse modes of transport such as more bike paths and extended business activations including parklets, which utilise council car park spaces and shared areas for dining and other business and social activities,” the council says.

“Major Australian cities have reduced speed limits in built-up areas, and it has seen greater use of micromobility devices, shading and greening, increased activation, along with social and economic benefits, including improved business conditions.

“While States like Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria have reduced speed limits, we don’t think a 30kmh speed limit would be suitable for Darwin.”

The survey is open until Friday 14th April.

Glenferrie Road Consultation

At the same time, Melbourne’s City of Boroondara is seeking final community feedback on draft plans to revitalise Glenferrie Road, including the possible relocation of car parking to make way for placemaking improvements including accommodating cycling infrastructure.

The council says of the 180 parking spaces along the major north-south Melbourne thoroughfare, 30 to 40 will be reallocated to new public spaces.

It says that “should provide opportunities for improving the problematic bike infrastructure in the street”.

The final round of public feedback is open until Friday 2 May.