Locals could soon be slowing down in Darwin’s CBD and making way for new bike and scooter lanes, walkways linking the city’s cafes and restaurants, and an improvement in greenery.
But there is a catch – the City of Darwin is proposing the CBD’s speed limit will have to be reduced to 40 kilometres an hour to make way for the new upgrades.
The council is now calling on the public’s opinion on the changes to the speed limit, with a council study finding that most people already do 40 kilometres an hour or less through the city.
The Council’s General Manager of Innovation Alice Percy says they are deciding on potential streets in the city for the bike lanes.
“At the moment we’re considering whether or not it could be an option on Cavenagh Street, potentially Mitchell Street and Smith Street.”
The design of the bike lanes is yet to be decided, with the council also seeking feedback from the community on the introduction of the lanes.
Ms Percy says the council will consider the space between the cars and cyclists.
“We’re looking at the design of those at the moment,” she says.
“We’d make sure there’s enough space where cars open up their door and where the bike lane is so it’s safe for people who are cycling.”
