Whitewater Creek improvements pay off
Kingborough Council's improvements to the Whitewater Creek Track are paying off, with average daily use increasing this winter to over 500 people a day.
The council installed a temporary counter in July 2024 before the Summerleas Road underpass and new paths connecting Spring Farm to the sports precinct were opened. They then counted in June 2025 and recorded a close to 50% rise in numbers from 355 to 530, despite being in the depths of winter.
A new Whitewater Creek Landcare group has also started up to improve habitat along the creek, which should bring more love to the path.
No-interest e-bike loans ending Monday
The Tasmanian Government has announced its Energy Saver Loan Scheme, which has allowed people to buy an e-bike without a deposit and pay it off over three years with no interest, is ending this Monday.
Loan applications must be lodged by midnight on Monday 1 September, with local bike shops Teros and 99 Bikes offering bikes under the scheme.
https://recfit.tas.gov.au/grants_programs/energy-efficiency/energy_saver_loan_scheme
NE Rail Trail progress
The North Eastern Advertiser has reported that Launceston Council is close to making a decision about whether to join up with Dorset Council to pursue funding for extension of the North East Rail Trail.
Mayor Matthew Garwood said the council had spent the past 8 months since being approached by Dorset, getting a detailed business case together for approval of its involvement before the end of this year.
Dorset Council has also released final plans for the first stage of improvement of the Scottsdale trail-head that includes bike parking and bike pump and charger, and the second stage will formalise car parking. Work is set to start soon and be finished by the end of this year.
Hobart cycling institution for sale
Ken Self Cycles in Hobart is on the market, with current owners Suzie and Chris Riley retiring after 24 years on the tools.
Selfs Cycles was established in Moonah in the 1920s, later becoming Ken Self Cycles, and moving into the city centre. Ken Self and his father Bert Self were staples of the Tasmanian cycling scene throughout the 20th century, racing and manufacturing bicycles.
The shop now stocks brands such as Bianchi, Trek, Rocky Mountain, Jamis and Tebco and has a well-established repair and maintenance arm. If you are interested in buying the business, contact Suzy at suzyr2002@gmail.com
Suzy and Chris were a big help to Bicycle Network with the Women on Wheels ride that used to be held annually in Hobart, leading the ride and offering prizes to participants.
Kingston shared path build soon
And back to Kingston Council, which is starting work on a new 300m shared path this week that will take a few months to finish.
The new 3m wide path will start on the Whitewater Creek Track at the Southern Outlet underpass and skirt around the Kings Quarter to meet the footpath on Channel Highway just after/before the Summerleas Road roundabout.
It will provide a shortcut link into the town centre, rather than having to ride around Kingston Park.
Ride through other eyes at Film Tour
Bike touring features in two films at this year’s Women’s Adventure Film Tour to hit Hobart and Launceston screens in September.
Trail to Bayanihan follows a mountain biker’s journey across spectacular scenery in The Phillipines as she explores her cultural roots and Beyond the Known presents the challenges faced by four bike-packers in remote areas of Turkey
Other films cover a marathon runner in Antarctica, a travel write on the road and impact of brain injury on a professional skier.
7pm screenings will be held at the Peacock Theatre in Hobart on Friday 12 September and Du Cane Brewery in Launceston on Wednesday 24 September.
Glenorchy parking plan to free public space
Glenorchy Council has asked for comments on a parking plan that would allow it to remove minimum car parking requirements on developments to improve the use of public space and reduce building costs.
The parking plan, if adopted, would allow the council to set aside the planning scheme’s minimum parking requirements in certain areas in lieu of a cash payment to go towards improving public space and public and active transport.
While the developer would still be spending money, it wouldn’t be as much as providing the number of car parking spaces the planning scheme requires. It is particularly pertinent for development of the northern suburbs transport corridor, which is being pursued to provide housing next to an active transport route and future public transport route.
Have your say before 15 September at https://letstalk.gcc.tas.gov.au/glenorchy-parking-plan
