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Tassie Bike News Bites
Transit corridor work shuts cycleway in June

The Department of State Growth has announced closures of the Intercity Cycleway next month for engineering surveys and geotechnical investigations at the three New Town bridges: Risdon Road, Tower Road and New Town Rivulet.

This is part of its investigations for a Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.

You'll see workers on site from Tuesday, 17 May 2022 but to find out when the cycleway closures are likely to happen and the suggested detours check out: www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/south_road_projects/northernsuburbstransitcorridor

Video volunteer stars

Our stalwart north-west volunteers Patrick and Roger recently took on the task of creating a “how to” video for Devonport Council’s new multi-purpose bike tool at the Paranaple Centre.

The dynamic duo is accompanied in the video by some of our regular north-west riding crew and Devonport Council has posted the clip to its website to explain how to use the recently installed tools.

Thanks to Patrick for delivering the sensible guidance and Roger for his technical wizadry: https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/live/facilities-services/bike-riding-walking-in-devonport/

Election bike promises thin on the ground

Australia’s political parties’ promises to improve bike riding conditions are thin on the ground this election.

Following is what we’ve been able to track being promised for Tasmania specifically:

  • Australian Greens are promising $18 million to fund a Hobart Active Transport Network in response to a call from the greater Hobart mayors.
  • Labor is promising $30 million to improve the Mornington roundabout which desperately needs an under or overpass to allow people to ride from one side to the other.
  • $431,000 for toilets at the Dial Range mountain bike trails in the Mt Montgomery Road car park. 

Nationally, Labor is promising to re-establish a Citities and Suburbs Unit within Infrastructure Australia, positive provisioning for some infrastructure projects, and investigation of bike incentive schemes and improvements to vehicle standards. While the Greens are proposing to spend $500 million a year on safe cycling infrastructure.

Labor and Liberal parties have also promised millions for road improvements but it's not clear how much of that will go to wide shoulders that would help road cycling.

Back on your Bike hits Hobart and Glenorchy

If you know someone who needs a bit more encouragement to go riding, send them our way!

Our free Back on your Bike sessions are designed for people who may not have ridden for a long time and need a skills refresher or two to give them the confidence to start riding again.

We’ve teamed up with Hobart and Glenorchy councils to promote the sessions in their areas:

HOBART 

Cornelian Bay | Sun 29 May – 10–11.30 am & 12–1.30 pm

South Hobart | Mon 30 May – 10–11.30 am & 12–1.30 pm

Sandy Bay | Tue 31 May – 10–11.30 am & 12–1.30 pm

GLENORCHY

Glenorchy City Centre | Sun 5 & Wed 8 June – 10–11.30am & 12.30–2 pm

Tolosa Park | Mon 6 June – 10–11.30am & 12.30–2 pm

Montrose Foreshore | Tue 7 June – 10–11.30am & 12.30–2 pm

Sessions are made up of small groups so bookings are essential: www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/back-on-your-bike/

Lenah Valley looks for mobility answers

The Lenah Valley Community Association is asking for residents and visitors for their suggestions for improvements to streets to make it easier and safer to get around.

Their website has a link to an interactive map for you to post your comments and you can also attach photos of problems and solutions as well as pinpoint the location of where you are talking about.

You can find the map at https://www.mapotic.com/lenah-valley-local-area-mobility-plan and if you’d like to know more about the community association visit www.lenahvalley.com.au.

Vollies get together in Sandy Bay

Our southern volunteers are celebrating their amazingness on Sunday 22 May with a BBQ at Sandy Bay’s Long Beach and ride from the city to get there.

People who’ve led and helped on our social rides, Super Tuesday counters, Ride2Work Day helpers and members of our volunteers committee are all welcome to attend. And if you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with Bicycle Network please come along.

The ride leaves Hamlet Café off Molle Street at 10.15 am and the BBQ starts at 11.30 am at Long Beach near Sea Grass restaurant.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/180741-volunteers-roll-to-the-party