Launceston launches northern bike library
The Northern Suburbs Community Centre has officially opened its free bike library so locals can loan one of the 11 bikes when they need one.
Bicycle Network was delighted to run Back on Your Bike sessions to mark the library’s launch. The library is a collaboration between the centre, the City of Launceston, Tamar NRM, and the Tamar Bicycle Users Group.
Bikes can be booked by calling the Newnham centre on 63265506, a $50 deposit is required for loans and each bike comes with helmet and lock.
And on Wednesday 27 May the centre will be hosting a ride from The Shed, 12 Kingbilly Crescent in Rocherlea at 11 am, heading to the Mowbray Community Centre for lunch and returning by about 2 pm.
Commando loop just got slightly comfier
Riding the Hobart commando loop just got a little more comfortable with Kingborough Council widening and sealing shoulder sections on Sandfly Road.
Kingborough Mayor Paul Wriedt said the improvements focus on uphill sections of the road: “Improving shoulder width and consistency helps provide a safer space for cyclists, enhances visibility, and reduces the risk of conflict between vehicles and more vulnerable road users.”
The upgrades have been funded through the Tasmanian Government, with $400,000 provided and $100,000 from Kingborough Council.
Australian Government sets aside $500 m for active transport
The recent federal budget has announced $500 million over ten years for active transport infrastructure across the country.
Tasmania has been allocated $900,000 and $1.7 million for the coming two years although without state government funding it will difficult for a lot of local councils to come up with 50/50 matched funding.
Bicycle Network has welcomed the certainty for councils of being apply for federal grants but notes that $50 million a year doesn’t go far for more than 500 local councils and 8 state and territory governments.
Menzies examining active travel habits
The Menzies Research Institute has launched a survey about the impact of free bus travel on physical activity and wants to hear from all Tasmanians aged over 18.
You don’t have to be a regular bus user to take the survey, which is looking at attitudes towards bus travel and the impact free fares may be having on physical activity.
There’s a $100 gift voucher up for grabs for answering: https://redcap.utas.edu.au/surveys/?s=CKNEJPEYCRMTJ7TE
Intercity cycleway detour in Glenorchy
The Intercity Cycleway will be closed between Grove and Riverway roads in Glenorchy for one month from Monday 25 May.
There won’t be any access during the closure as a stormwater pit directly under the cycleway is being modified.
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