Huntingfield overpass funded
The Tasmanian Government has found $3.9 million to fund an essential pedestrian and cycling bridge as part of its Algona roundabout project.
Safe access for pedestrians and cyclists was left out of the original design and while an overpass was later added to plans it has not been funded until now.
Bicycle Network and Cycling South have worked together to ensure safe pedestrian and cycling access was added to the project, through meetings with ministers and participating in parliament’s public works inquiry.
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the funding would be in the 2025–26 budget.
“The new pedestrian overpass is a key part of the plan to improve safety and travel time along the Kingston Bypass through one of the fastest growing population centres of our State,” he said.
North-west social rides future pumped up
Our volunteer Social Rides Program Leader Di Elliffe headed to the north-west recently with our skills trainer Di McHenry to induct a new group of ride leaders.
The group of seven riders ran through the policies and procedures for planning and holding successful social rides, and then practised their skills outside.
The north-west group rides on the last Sunday of the month at 11am and always welcomes newcomers.
Thanks to Roger Nichols, as always, for his photography on the day.
Government gives up on cycling funding
The Tasmanian Budget has revealed the government does not intend to spend any money on specific cycling projects after next year.
In last year’s budget the government promised $2 million in funding for the coming year then $500,000 for the following two years. This year’s budget walks back this commitment with only $1.5 million budgeted for the coming year then nothing in the following years.
Cycling paths will be included in major road projects but they are not always the paths needed in urban centres to get people to schools, workplaces, shops and services.
Richmond–Cambridge freight route divides community
The Department of State Growth has released a consultation report into Richmond–Cambridge freight options, showing opposition to plans to allow heavy vehicles on the backroads.
The area is popular for road cycling because of the low levels of traffic and some of the comments supported Middle Tree and Back Tea Tree roads being kept for locals and cyclists while others pushed for a bike path between Cambridge and Richmond.
If one of the routes had to go ahead, respondents preferred Option 3 which would follow Tea Tree Road, Colebrook Road, and Richmond Road–Cambridge bypass.
The government has not made a decision about a preferred route, with more planning and engagement scheduled for this year.
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