A new traffic light feature in Hobart has set tongues wagging and tempers flaring, with locals divided over whether it’s a stroke of genius or a case of bureaucratic overkill.
The latest addition? A bicycle head-start light at a busy city intersection, designed to give cyclists a few precious seconds to get moving before cars get the green.
For some, it’s a welcome sign that Hobart is finally catching up with other bike-friendly cities. For others, it’s just another reason to grumble about delays and ‘pointless’ changes to the daily commute.
So, what’s really going on, and why has this seemingly simple traffic tweak sparked such a heated debate?
What’s the big idea?
The new head-start light is part of a two-year trial to transform a 700-metre stretch of Collins Street in the heart of Hobart.
The project, a joint effort between the Tasmanian Government and the City of Hobart, also includes new separated bike lanes, more roadside dining, and extra parking.
There’s even a push to lower the speed limit along this busy corridor.
According to Neil Noye, City of Hobart’s director of strategic and regulatory services, the changes are all about making the city safer and more accessible for everyone, not just those behind the wheel.
‘Collins Street has been identified and prioritised for pedestrian and cycling use as outlined in the Inner Hobart Transport Network Operations Plan,’ he explained.
The head-start light, installed at the intersection of Harrington and Barrack streets, gives cyclists a few seconds’ headway before cars get the green.
The idea is to let cyclists clear the intersection and be more visible to turning vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions.
Praise from pedal-pushers
Cyclists and active transport advocates have been quick to praise the move. Local riders have called it ‘amazing’ and ‘the start of better things to come in Tassie.’
Bicycle Network Tasmania says the new light ‘enables people riding and walking to get ahead of the traffic and be seen by turning vehicles’—a simple change that could save lives.
And it’s not just a Hobart thing. Bicycle head-start lights have been used in Melbourne and other cities for over a decade, and the data shows they work.
‘There was a time when crashes were common—the light would turn green, the bikes would shoot off across the intersection, but a car would run left and strike the people on bikes going straight ahead,’ a spokesperson for Bicycle Network explained.
‘The signal was developed to give bikes several seconds to get out ahead where the drivers who were turning left could see them. It has proven a very successful initiative in terms of reducing crashes.’
But not everyone’s convinced
Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Some drivers have taken to social media to vent their frustration, complaining about being stuck at red lights ‘for the cyclists lights without a bike in sight.’
One local called it ‘overkill and another car delay system,’ echoing a common sentiment among those who feel motorists are being unfairly penalised.
It’s a familiar story in cities across Australia, where tensions between cyclists and drivers often run high. From heated roadside exchanges to viral videos of near-misses, the battle for space on our roads is nothing new.
A nation of (increasingly) keen cyclists
Despite the grumbling, the numbers tell a different story. According to a 2023 survey by the Tasmanian Government, cycling in Hobart is on the rise, with 4,800 trips recorded each day—a whopping 50 per cent increase since 2019.
Collins Street alone sees at least 450 bike trips daily. And it’s not just Tassie: across Australia, bike and e-bike commuting is up by around six per cent, with Tasmania and NSW leading the charge.
Officials are keen to point out that more people on bikes means fewer cars on the road, less congestion, and better health outcomes for everyone.
‘Hobartians riding bikes is good for their health and good for motorists, as it results in fewer cars on the road and helps traffic flow better,’ the City of Hobart says.
But there’s a catch: safety. The number one reason people don’t cycle more is fear of sharing the road with cars. That’s why separated bike lanes and features like head-start lights are so important—they make cycling a safer, more attractive option for everyone.
What about the rest of Australia?
Other states are watching closely. Melbourne has long used head-start lights and ‘bike boxes’—special areas at intersections where cyclists can wait in front of cars at red lights.
Both measures have been shown to reduce crashes and make intersections safer for all users.
Experts say it’s just a matter of time before these features become standard at intersections on major bike routes across the country.
‘There may be a short period of adjustment for road users in Hobart, but it will not be long before they intuitively understand the function, and it becomes a routine part of driving safely,’ says Bicycle Network.
The bottom line
Change is never easy, especially when it comes to our daily routines. But as our cities grow and more people choose to walk, ride, or roll, it’s clear that we need to rethink how we share our streets.
Whether you’re a die-hard driver or a lycra-clad commuter, the goal is the same: safer, more efficient roads for everyone.
So, what do you think? Are these new traffic lights a step in the right direction, or just another example of red tape gone mad? Have you experienced the new head-start lights in Hobart or elsewhere? Do you think they make a difference—or just make you late?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Share your experiences in the comments below!
Also read: Illegally modified e-bike blamed for fatal high-speed collision
At least there will be less car rashes from red-light runners, just more cyclists killed
It won’t have any effect on some cyclists, as they will still proceed through Red Lights, with gay abandon, just like they do now !!