Burnie City Council has confirmed that staff will not pursue an eastern route for the Coastal Pathway.

The council’s general manager, Simon Overland, told a meeting held on 30 January that council officers did not believe a 2018 route proposed by a specialist engineering firm was feasible.

Overland said there “would be significant costs associated with undertaking the necessary works to arrive at a final design as it is a highly complex project”.

“That is not to say that the concept is without merit;” he said. “It is a great idea, however, it seems improbable that it can be delivered.”

Bike Spot records 650+ Tassie sites

Tasmanian riders logged more than 650 reports on needed improvements or existing infrastructure that has got it right on the Bike Spot map, which has closed for suggestions. 

Greater Hobart received more than 480 entries, greater Launceston received 80 and additional comments were  scattered across the south and north.

The Amy Gillett Foundation will now analyse the results and present a Bike Spot report on the changes needed to riding conditions across local and state governments areas around the country.

Snap Send Solve reports on Tas councils

The Snap Send Solve app has released its best performing councils for 2023, and Burnie City Council has won the overall Tasmanian award for more “snappers” per head than other councils.

Clarence City Council and City of Launceston Official also got nods for performing well.

Snap Send Solve is an app that allows you to take photos of problems such as potholes and cars parked in bike lanes, and sends them directly to the responsible authority to fix, with exact locations.

North-west bodies nominate Coastal Pathway for election funding

While the rumours about an early election circulate, north west councils are getting their wish lists in order.

Speaking to The Advocate, Central Coast Mayor Cheryl Fuller nominated co-investment from government to continue the shared pathway between Ulverstone and Penguin, and Devonport Council’s general manager Matthew Atkins was looking for $1.5 million to continue the shared path along Stony Rise Road. 

Cradle Coast Authority CEO Sheree Vertigan also nominated the Coastal Pathway completion as an election priority, as was connecting to nearby towns like Forth.

“We’re starting to collect data and it is showing that the pathway is highly valued by the community and they expect it will eventually cover the entire region,” she told The Advocate.

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Risdon Brook Dam Visit – Saturday 17 February

The 30.8km Risdon Brook Dam ride on Saturday 17 February gives you a little bit of everything, including shared paths, quiet streets, bridge crossings, dirt trails and a few short, busy road stretches.

Meet ride leader Brian at 9.45am at the Cornelian Bay top car park to head along the Intercity Cycleway to the Bowen Bridge and across to ride around the dam. The group will then take Sugarloaf Road to the Foreshore Trail and over the Tasman Bridge back to Cornelian Bay.

There will be a coffee stop in Lindisfarne on the way back, please RSVP in case of cancellation: https://ridewithgps.com/events/292490-risdon-brook-dam-visit

Colebrook Lake Tiberias Circuit – Sunday 18 February

The Colebrook Lake Tiberias Circuit on Sunday 18 February will be following mainly gravel back roads for close to 46km.

Join ride leader David at 10.15am outside the Colebrook Memorial Hall for the trip to Lake Tiberias via Rhyndaston Road, then on to Stonor, Tunnack and Eldon roads to head back to Colebrook.

BYO lunch and potential for coffee afterwards at Richmond. RSVP in case of cancellation via https://ridewithgps.com/events/295771-colebrook-lake-tiberias-circuit

Lindisfarne Hills – Friday 23 February

The Lindisfarne Hills ride on Friday 23 February will give you a short 12km workout, bookended by coffee and lunch.

Meet ride leader Brian at the Currency Café ready to head off by 10am. The ride will take in Gordons and Natone hills, joined by quieter roads, and offer stunning views of kunanyi/Mt Wellington and the Tasman Bridge.

Lunch at Currency Café afterwards but please RSVP in case of cancellation: https://ridewithgps.com/events/292491-lindisfarne-hills

Ulverstone to Sulphur Creek – Sunday25 February

The north west riders are taking a 37km loop out of Ulverstone to Sulphur Creek on Sunday 25 February.

Meet ride leader Jan at the Sport and Recreation Centre in Flora Sreet, West Ulverstone, ready to ride at 11am. 

The route will be a mix of coastal and inland roads and an Ulverstone to Penguin return will be offered as a shorter option.

Coffee afterwards will be in Penguin, please RSVP via https://ridewithgps.com/events/298746-nw-riders-ulverstone-sulphur-creek-loop. 

E-bike Coffee Cruise: The Queens View – Friday 1 March 

Our e-bike extraordinaire ride leader Di is putting on the Queens View ride on Friday 2 February to coincide with the monthly Coffee, Chat and Cycles get-together.

It’s a great little ride that explores the paths, trails and quiet roads on the Queens Domain.

Meet ride leader Di at Brooke Street Pier at 10.15am for the 9.3km circuit of the Domain before heading to Jampacked in Hunter Street for coffee and/or lunch.

To RSVP in case of cancellation: https://ridewithgps.com/events/292514-e-bike-coffee-cruise-the-queen-s-view

Flight of the Folders – Saturday 2 March

Folding bike owners generally love showing off their smart design, if that sounds like you then the Bike Week Flight of the Folders ride on Saturday 2 March will be right up your alley.

Join ride leader Di at 9.45am at the Cenotaph car park to head up the Intercity Cycleway to MONA for coffee and snacks.

Please RSVP in case of cancellation via https://ridewithgps.com/events/296947-flight-of-the-folders-bike-week

Elderslie Dysart Loop – Sunday 3 March

The new Elderslie Dysart loop social ride on Sunday 4 February embraces gravel, with a 39.4km route mostly taking well-graded dirt roads.

Meet ride leader David at 9.45am at the Broadmarsh Community Hall to head out on Cockatoo Gully, Clifton Vale and Elderslie roads through farmland and nature reserves on country back roads.

This ride will best suit wider tyres or dedicated gravel bikes. Please RSVP in case of cancellation https://ridewithgps.com/events/294505-elderslie-dysart-loop

International Womens Day ride – Friday 8 March

Join the global Together We Ride sisterhood on International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March in Hobart with a ride and coffees.

Meet ride leader Maryanne at 9.45am at the upper Cornelian Bay car park  for the 16.6km ride up the Intercity Cycleway to MONA and back.

This is a flat, easy ride if you have the stamina. There will be a break at MONA for coffee and snacks. RSVP in case of cancellation via https://ridewithgps.com/events/296302-iwd-together-we-ride-bike-week

TBUG rides 

• Wednesday 21 February: Westbury to Exton, meet at 9.15am at the sports ground in Franklin Street, 40km, 20–25km pace.
• Wednesday 28 February: Beauty Point to Greens Beach, meet at 9.15am at the Esplanade Beauty Point, 40km, 20–25km pace.

Upcoming rides & events 

• Agrarian Kitchen to Lachlan – Sunday 17 March
• E-bike Coffee Club: Bowen Bridge–Otago Bay Loop – Thursday 21 March
• Backroads Richmond to Campania – Sunday 31 March
• E-bike Coffee Cruise: The Queens View – Friday 5 April
• Cygnet Wattle Grove Loop – Sunday 14 April
• Brighton Rally – Sunday 28 April
• E-bike Coffee Cruise: The Queens View – Friday 3 May
• Kangaroo Bay to Tranmere return – Saturday 11 May
• Pawleena Penna Circuits – Sunday 12 May
• E-bike Coffee Club: Sandy Bay Scenic Roll – Thursday 16 May
• Vollies Thank You! Ride – Saturday 25 May
• Oatlands, Parattah and Stonor Circuit – Sunday 26 May
• E-bike Coffee Cruise: The Queens View – Friday 7 June

If you would like to be one of our Ride Leaders, please email our Rides Coordinator with your contact details and what sort of riding you are interested in and we’ll let you know when the next Ride Leader Skills Development Workshop is scheduled. You don’t have to be super fit or into competitive riding, our rides are a mixed bag depending on the interests of our ride leaders. They offer everything from short 1-2 hour rides, with stops along the way to day-long excursions. 

COVID-19 guidelines 

Our social rides leaders follow a set of protocols to help make our rides safer: 

• Meeting places for rides will have plenty of space for people to maintain 1.5 metre to 2 metre distancing while unloading bikes, listening to the briefing, and getting ready to ride. 
• Riders are asked to register online or via phone so there is no paper being handed around on the day.  
• People are asked not to attend rides if they have fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath or runny nose or are in mandated isolation. 

Main image: Geilston Bay by Tasmanian.Kris on Flickr

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The challenge returns on Sunday 3 March after a break last year. Riders will be challenged to complete the 21km climb from Longley to the summit on a closed Pinnacle Road. It’s a time trial rather than a race, so prepare to challenge and celebrate your achievements afterwards. The fastest female and male riders will be crowned king and queen of the Mountain, so there is incentive if you seek it.

The challenge is organised by the Hobart Wheelers club. Entry costs $35 for seniors and $15 for juniors, and an AusCycling racing licence is required. You can buy a day licence or a trial licence if you have not held a licence for more than three years.

The other rides planned for the week are more sedate social affairs.

Hobart social rides

In Hobart, Bicycle Network volunteers have put together a range of rides suited to just about every interest.

They kick of with the Queens View ride on Friday 1 March to introduce new e-bikes riders to the many trails on the Queens Domain. After the ride the group will head to the monthly Cycles, Coffee and Chat meet-up at JamPacked to talk all things cycling over coffee.

Folding bike owners will get their chance to shine in the sun on the Flight of the Folders ride out to MONA for coffee on Saturday 2 March.

The Elderslie Dysart Loop on Sunday 3 March is a chance to to get dirty our of town and try your bike out on a longer gravel route on quiet backroads.

And for women wanting to boost their cycling confidence, the International Womens Day ride out to MONA on Friday 8 March provides the sisterhood with a chance to give it a go.

Everyone who comes on one of the free social rides will receive a stylish “What Hills?” t-shirt, celebrating the power of the e-bike (as long as stocks last).

More social rides may be organised closer to the week, so keep an eye on the Bicycle Network website for updates and details: www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/tasmanianbikeweek

Super Tuesday

Bike Week also includes the Super Tuesday commuter count.

This is where volunteers count people riding between 7am and 9am on Tuesday 5 March at sites throughout greater Hobart.

In return, they get a discount on their Bicycle Network membership fees or a donation to a charity of their choice.

We’ve seen a fall in the numbers of commuter riders since the COVID-19 pandemic, but last year there was a bounce-back at some city sites, so it will be interesting to see if that strengthens this year.

To register as a counter, visit https://counts.bicyclenetwork.com.au/traffic-survey/202/.  You can choose a site to count from the Tasmanian map.

Launceston social rides

The Tamar Bicycles Users Group will run its usual Wednesday and Thursday social rides, followed by the the Bike Week history ride on Friday. 

The always popular history ride will take off from the Riverbend car park on 1 March. Meet at 9.45am and bring lunch and snacks. The ride will tour several historic buildings in Newstead.

The Wednesday morning ride on 6 March will head from Longford to Carrick, a 49km route ridden at a brisk 20–25km/h.

The Thursday night trails around Launceston ride on 7 March is a great introduction for people new to Launceston or new to riding. It varies between 10km and 15km depending on the group and its slow pace captures everyone in the group.

Main Image: Eudaimonia Tasmanian Cycling Tours

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Our iconic Great Vic Bike Ride will celebrate its 40^th anniversary in November, and our renowned Around the Bay event will clock up its 30^th anniversary on Sunday 6 October.

We’d love to see 40 schools on our 40^th Great Vic, which runs from 23 November to 1 December, and our team is busy working with teachers and students to make this a reality. Whether you are a past participant, or just know about the fun that can be had, we hope you will encourage the young people in your life to take up bike riding and start training for the thrill of the Great Vic.

As a not-for-profit, health promotion charity Bicycle Network’s goal has always been to get more people on bikes to prevent diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and to help them lead happier, healthier lives. Our events help us encourage families, young riders, new riders and riders who simply love the shared camaraderie of a big event, to experience and share the joy of riding.

We know that riding, for many, starts with riding to school, and our long-running Ride2School program has encouraged hundreds of thousands of children to travel actively to school since 2005. We know the numbers of children walking or riding to school each day have declined dramatically in the last five decades, and our program has helped to stem the tide and teach children and communities the benefits of safe, active travel.

For the first time, we’ve asked our celebrated Peaks Challenge riders, those staunch, committed athletes who train for months to cover 235km and 4000+ metres of climbing in one incredible day, to become fundraisers and to call on their families, colleagues and friends to help support our Ride2School program. Peaks Challenge will take place on Sunday 10 March and this year we are expecting 2000-plus riders to tackle the Victorian High Country. Entries are still open, so if you are fit, primed and ready it’s not too late to sign up now.

We’ve also introduced a new event that’s coming up soon too – Gravel Macedon on Saturday 23 March. And we are asking these hardcore riders (nearly 500 so far) to help support Ride2School and raise funds for us too.

In 2023, we established our First Nations Support Fund through the Australian Sports Foundation, to expand the reach of the bicycle and offer young First Nations Australians to experience the life-changing Great Vic Bike Ride. We thank those of you who supported our young athletes and 2023 and we are hoping to build the program in 2024.

Our advocacy work at Bicycle Network is never ending and we celebrated some strong wins in 2023, including the world-class St Kilda Road bike lanes, new national laws to improve truck safety standards, a decade-long battle for a safer Black Forest Drive, and Australia’s first e-bike rebate program in Tasmania.

As a not-for-profit organisation our resources are stretched, but your Membership helps us advocate for better, safer riding conditions for all. We’ve introduced a new $40 Advocacy Membership to call on loyal readers who may not need the benefits of our premium insurance product, but enjoy reading our great In the Loop content and learning about all things bike related.

And finally, you might notice a new Donate Now button on our website. It’s another way that we can use your support across our community programs including Open Streets, our Women’s Community and our transport surveys and data and Super Counts work. 

We wish you a safe, healthy active 2024 we and hope your riding takes you to new and more places, improves your physical and mental health, and creates wonderful memories.

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And they are still on the hunt for others who were involved in the incidents.

Police allege that a 16-year-old Clyde North boy was driving a stolen vehicle when it struck the riders and failed to stop to render assistance.

He was charged with 14 offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, intentionally cause serious injury, and driving in a dangerous manner.

The youth was also charged over an alleged robbery at a shopping centre on Nepean Highway in Cheltenham on 26 January, and an alleged aggravated burglary in Bluegrass Close, Waterways, the following day.

He will appear in a children’s court later today.

A second 16-year-old, from Noble Park, was taken to hospital under police guard. He is expected to be charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

Officers were called to Beach Road, Cheltenham, about 5.20am on Tuesday 23 January, after a 51-year-old Aspendale man was struck by a car and taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

He was released from hospital on Tuesday 30 January. 

A short time later a second cyclist, a 72-year-old man from Bentleigh East, was also involved in a collision on Beach Road in Beaumaris, near Tramway Parade.

The vehicle again allegedly failed to stop, and the second rider was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The rider remains in hospital in a serious-but-stable condition.

Police recovered a Holden Astra in Black Rock, believed to have been stolen from Preston on 21 January, and used in the incidents.

Anyone with information or footage of the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Update 6 February:

Four more youths, including a 13-year-old boy, have now been arrested in relation to the attack.

Following further enquiries, Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested four youths at various locations.

• A 13-year-old Hampton Park boy was charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
• A 14-year-old Wonthaggi boy was charged with five offences, including reckless conduct endanger life, intentionally cause serious injury, theft of motor vehicle, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
• A 16-year-old Healesville boy was charged with two counts of theft of motor vehicle.

The trio has been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date, while a 15-year-old Doveton boy was released pending summons for theft of a motor vehicle.

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But the shared path immediately beside it will remain open in both directions, as will the east-bound on-road bike lane, alongside Yarraville Gardens.

The closure is due to works by the West Gate Tunnel Project to reconstruct a manhole in the intersection at Whitehall Street, under which is located the North Yarra Main Sewer, one of Melbourne’s major sewerage structures.

Regular riders through the area will recall major disruptive works at this location in recent years as the sewer has been realigned due to the construction of the West Gate Tunnel.

The closures are scheduled to start at 9pm on Wednesday 7 February and finish at 5am on Saturday 24 February 2024.

Note that these works will not permit use of the pedestrian crossing over Somerville Road on the side of northbound travel on Whitehall Street. There will still be access to cross Whitehall Street and Somerville Road on the southbound side. 

If you are using Whitehall Street route, use the signalised crossings aligned with the shared paths on Whitehall Street and Somerville Road. Riders are advised the on-road bike lane on Somerville Road will be closed during the works.

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This recent landslip is tiny in comparison with the one that occurred in October 2022 between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek, above Bogong Village. 

The latest works will include road shoulder widening, concrete barrier installation, the construction of a new retaining wall and steel guardrail, along with pavement repair and line-marking.

Speed reductions and traffic management will be in place during works. Traffic will be halted at times and there may be delays of up to 15 minutes.

Works on the 2022 landslip will continue during this time and high truck volumes will continue to be a concern for riders.

It would be wise for riders to avoid using Bogong High Plains Road between 6am and 6pm on weekdays during the works. 

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The high-profile cable stay bridge over Footscray Road in Docklands moves into its major construction phase in the coming weeks.

The bike and pedestrian facility, one of the most attention-grabbing active transport structures in the nation, forms a key component of the new bike path between Footscray and the city being delivered by the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Strung from two massive pylons, the cable-suspended bridge will take riders diagonally over busy Footscray Road, linking to the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail as well as to the new elevated Veloway that will take riders out to Footscray.

Work is underway to establish ramps and pylons that will hold up the cable stays.

Major activities will begin from the night of Sunday 11 February until Monday 4 March 2024. During this time temporary steel towers will be built to hold the bridge beams in position while they are tied and tensioned to the cables.

During the works there will be a short diversion of the Footscray Road trail around the worksite via Little Waterfront Way, St Mango Lane and Waterfront Way. As this goes past Docklands Primary School, riders should be watchful for pedestrians and school children.

There will be continuous closures of Footscray Road to motor traffic during this time. A major part of the installation has been timed to be carried out during the closure of Wurundjeri Way while there is less traffic in the area.

Riders are advised to be aware:

• The Footscray Road westbound carriageway between Docklands Drive and Waterfront Way will be closed 24/7 from 8pm Sunday 11 February to 8pm Sunday 18 February 2024.
• Footscray Road between Docklands Drive and Pearl River Road will be closed 24/7 in both directions from  8pm Sunday 18 February to 5am Monday 4 March 2024. Drivers can still access the Docklands area via Pearl River Road and Docklands Drive.

Footscray Road motor traffic will be diverted to Dynon Road. Please continue to use signals and take care at crossings.

After these works, and until late June 2024, there will continue to be long-term lane closures and singular overnight carriageway closures in both directions on Footscray Road, as well as intermittent overnight closures of the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.

There are two more cycling bridges being built in this area in the coming months – a cycling bridge along Footscray Road over Moonee Ponds Creek and a 2.5 kilometre veloway above Footscray Road.

There will be further lane and carriageway closures from late-April 2024 for these works. Further details will be supplied closer to the date.

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The closure is between Plenty Road and the Macorna Street Bridge, which will remain open to riders.

A signed detour will be in place and will take riders a short distance along Plenty Road to Enterprise Drive and then to Linacare Drive, where paths will connect to the M80 Trail to the east, and to the Macorna Street Bridge.

The work is part of the M80 Ring Road completion being delivered by contractors for the North East Link Project.

The works will identify underground services and take ground samples from beneath roads, footpaths and grassed areas as part of planning for future construction.

The following activities are required to carry out these works:
– installing fencing around temporary worksites
– placing traffic and safety signage near worksites and detour route
– cutting, digging and drilling to investigate ground conditions
– restoring worksites to existing conditions on completion of investigations.

Day works will happen from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 1pm, Saturday.

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The latest Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Transport Affordability Index revealed that the typical Australian household spent $415.37 each week on transport in the third quarter of 2023, or 16.3% of their household budget.

That’s up from $381.05 in the third quarter of 2022, when it was 14.9% of the household budget.

In our cities, the figures are higher. The typical household in Melbourne now spends $528.90 a week on transport, or 17.7% of its budget. In Sydney, transport is costs the typical household $533.27, or 16.5% of its budget.

The increase of 4% in the September quarter is nearly 3.5 times the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.2% in the same period. The index shows that rising transport costs have outpaced increases in the cost of living over the previous three quarters.

A breakdown of the household transport costs shows that 90% goes towards car ownership through things like loan repayments, fuel, tolls, insurance, servicing and tyres, registration, and roadside assist. Nearly 10% goes towards public transport.

The increasing costs of car ownership are being driven by rising fuel costs and purchase prices, higher interest rates on car loans and increases in insurance premiums.

The hypothetical household used in the modelling is based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics and industry figures. It characterises the typical Australian household as a couple, with children, who have two cars and work full time and commute each weekday.

We know that lifestyle factors like where we live and work, family, sporting commitments and caring responsibilities can all have a bearing on whether or not we can do without a car. 

But research on transport costs continues to show that compared to a car, riding a bike at a cost of around $1000 a year, can bring considerable savings. And people who require a more capable vehicle for school runs, grocery shopping and hilly journeys, are finding e-bikes to be a suitable and far more cost-effective option.

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