The Tasmanian election is happening next Saturday 23 March but we still don’t have the complete view of what’s being proposed to make it easier to ride a bicycle.
So far, the Tasmanian Greens are the only party that have put forward an active transport policy, while the Tasmanian Liberals have put forward several promises for recreational cycling projects.
Greens Active Transport policy
Th Greens are pledging $49 million for three key planks – more cycling infrastructure on state and local routes, secure bike parking and support to integrate active and public transport, and assistance for low-income Tasmanians to buy an e-bike.
This funding would be over four years, with the bulk of it going to infrastructure costs.
The e-bike grant proposal is different to the current program being run by government as it would only be open to concession card holders or students and would be worth up to 50% of the cost of the bike capped at $1000.
Liberal project promises
The Liberal party has pledged money for mostly recreational riding paths. Of note is the $150,000 for Launceston Council to build a shared path to link Lilydale Falls, where the North East Rail Trail is proposed to finish, with the Lilydale township.
Mountain biking would get $410,000 for plans for Wielangta, Dover and Meehan Range, a new access trail at the Wild Mersey and pump track for Circular Head.
$270,000 would go to new paths in Baghdad and Georges Bay, while $1.9 million has been pledged for a new multi-access path between Nubeena and White Beach, although it's not clear whether it will be built to shared path standard.
Hobart ferries have expansion support
Parties are offering different views on the proposed expansion of the ferry system on the River Derwent, which is of interest to bike riders who could use a combination of bike and ferry to get more places.
The Liberals have said they will prioritise new terminals at Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay and Wilkinson Point and Labor has pledged $7 million to ensure Bridgewater gets its own ferry terminal and the Greens have also supported a Brighton terminal.
Labor and Liberal had promised half-price ferry fares for one year and the Greens have promised to make all public transport, including ferries, free.
Bike tracker keeps moving along
This is the last In the Loop before the election but we will keep our election promises tracker updated right up to 23 March: https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-advocacy/votebike2024/