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Man and woman ride on concrete path through a road underpass in bright coloured clothes and bike bags, smiling at the camera.
14 August 2024
New gov policy expands cycling considerations

The Tasmanian government has updated its internal policy governing how cycling infrastructure is provided to broaden its scope and considerations.

The new Tasmanian Walk, Wheel, Ride Policy replaces the Positive Provision Policy for Cycling Infrastructure, which has been in place since 2013.

The new policy will cover all Department of State Growth projects and activities instead of just those road projects on recognised cycling routes.

It will also cover walking and wheeling (wheelchairs, prams, etc.) as transport and travel modes rather than just cycling.

What it should mean in practice is that walking, wheeling and cycling will be considered from the first stages of planning for any infrastructure, policy or transport service projects.

The previous policy was a big step up at the time it was introduced and was responsible for getting shared paths at Perth, Midway Point and Hobart Airport as part of bigger road projects.

This new policy recognises that walking and wheeling provision is also needed and that any infrastructure or transport project will have an impact on people walking, riding and wheeling.

Group of four people with bicycles stand on concrete path next to Tasmanian highway looking happy.

It’s a welcome step forward for the department and the policy states this is in recognition of its greater focus on supporting active transport.

Interestingly, the policy also applies to any activity or project delivered by other Tasmanian Government agencies or local governments where the department contributes funding, provides land or is a stakeholder/affected party in the activity/project.

It also incorporates walking, wheeling and riding connections to public transport routes, which will be important as the ferry network expands along the River Derwent and more park-and-rides are built around the state.

The policy defines relevant activities as:

  • policy making
  • current and future corridor and land preservation
  • land acquisition
  • planning and feasibility studies
  • design
  • construction and delivery
  • operation
  • maintenance
  • data collection and reporting.

The policy is available at: www.infrastructure.tas.gov.au/policy_and_advice/active_transport

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