North-west paths near completion
Several new paths in the northwest are nearing completion and Burnie Council has awarded a contract for construction of the Wynyard to Cooee coastal pathway section, ready for a September start.
The 1.8km Don to Tugrah Road path is planned to open in August and the Don to Leith coastal pathway section is 70% complete, and likely to be finished before summer.
In Central Coast, three major path projects are almost complete, with a few defects to be rectified. Work on a new shared path through Turners Beach is due to start this financial year.
Bike path dollars on offer to councils
The Tasmanian Government is offering grants of up to $400,000 to local councils to build infrastructure to support active living, including new bike paths.
The councils have until 29 September to put in an application for the first round of the program, which is worth $2.47 million. Round 2 will be offered later in 2023–24 to the same value
Only councils may apply for the grants, so if there’s a great path option in your area, get in contact with your local representatives: https://www.lgat.tas.gov.au/lgat-advocacy/open-spaces-grant
Hawley Beach petition hopes to block new path
Local residents opposed to a new shared path along Hawley Beach foreshore have presented a petition with 1125 signatures to Latrobe Council.
The Hawley Beach Protection Association believes the path between Vine Street and the Port Sorell Surf Club will damage coastal vegetation and reduce space for car parking. They say the council has not demonstrated that a road safety problem exists. https://www.change.org/p/hawley-beach-foreshore-under-threat-act-now?redirect=false
The council website has an information page about the $950,000 pathway, which says it is close to a development application being submitted. https://www.latrobe.tas.gov.au/council/major-projects/hawley-esplanade-pathway
Bicycles can go either way at scrambles
New "scramble crossings" will be trialled at the intersections of Elizabeth and Collins streets and Elizabeth and Liverpool streets in Hobart from August.
Scramble crossings allow pedestrians to cross from any point of an intersection to any other point as all vehicle traffic is stopped when the pedestrian lights turn green.
People riding bicycles are permitted to cross at a pedestrian crossing provided they ride slowly and safely, give way to pedestrians, and keep to the left of oncoming pedestrians/riders.
Tweed ride shifts to November
Launceston's popular Tweed Ride is shifting from the Junction Arts Festival umbrella to Rotary's Sally's Ride to free up the potential for new festival events.
The Tweed Ride has been part of the festival since 2014, with support from the Tamar Bicycle Users Group.
The last festival ride will be held on 24 September this year and Sally's Ride will offer a 10km course on 26 November. Tweed wearers will be encouraged to join.
How are we going to cut our transport emissions?
Main image: Google Maps.