The Tasmanian state election has been set for Saturday 19 July 2025

Bicycle Network is here to keep you up to date with what parties and candidates are promising for people who ride bikes for the snap Tasmanian Legislative Assembly election.

Tasmanian State election 2025

#VoteBikeTAS

BICYCLE NETWORK'S election asks

Creating cheaper, healthier, cleaner travel choices

Tasmanian cities are consistently rated as the most expensive in Australia to own a car and yet many families feel they need two cars to access work, schools and services. This sucks up a large proportion of the family income, contributes to traffic congestion, drives up the state’s climate change emissions, and contributes to poor physical activity levels.

While the current government has provided a steady stream of funding for cycling infrastructure, the rejected budget cut funding after 2026 and some of the government’s road projects are not including safe paths and crossings for people walking and riding. 

The incoming government must provide annual funding for cycling infrastructure and abide by its own Walk, Wheel, Ride policy.

 

Better Active Transport funding
  • The Better Active Transport grants were rolled out in 2023 and 2024, helping councils to build cycling networks on local roads – we want to see annual funding to continue the grants of at least $2 million.
  • The Greater Hobart Cycling Plan should be replicated in  Launceston, Burnie and Devonport and other willing urban centres.
  • The government’s Walk, Wheel and Ride policy is not always being followed – we want to see safe active transport routes and crossings included in all road projects.
More public transport choice

Some people don’t catch public transport because the start or end stop is too far to walk. Providing better cycling access to stops and secure bike parking can help more people catch the bus/ferry.

  • Roll out secure bike and scooter parking at bus stop hubs on the higher frequency routes and ferry terminals.
  • Run an independent trial of bikes and scooters being allowed on urban low-floor buses.
Help to ride

Many people are not confident to ride as it’s been a long time since they last rode or they weren’t taught properly when they were younger, this limits their ability to choose to swap a car trip for a bike.

  • Fund a statewide rider education program that helps people build confidence to ride, pick routes, choose the right bike and maintain it.

What's being promised for bikes this time around

Party promises 2025

LIBERAL
  • The Premier has told Bicycle Network that funding for all future active transport projects will be considered in the context of the 10-year Tasmanian Walk, Wheel, Ride Strategy and 5-year action plan, which is being finalised now.
  • Recent state budget included $3.5 million to include a safe pedestrian and cycling bridge for the Algona Road roundabout project that for some reason had been left out of the original funding.
  • No funding for cycling grants to build safe infrastructure on the 80% of Tasmanian roads managed by local government as part of the Better Active Transport grant program.
  • $250,000 towards the Destination Derby Community Master Plan which will guide the town’s infrastructure needs, recreational and community assets, and the visitor experience in Derby.
  • Premier ruled out state funding for the NE Rail Trail in the North Eastern Advertiser.
LABOR
  • Dean Winter responded to Bicycle Network’s asks with no promises for bike funding other than that any submission to the next budget process would be considered.
GREENS
  • Support $2 million annually being allocated to a Better Active Transport grant program.
  • Public transport policy includes secure bike parking with e-bike charging options at bus stop hubs, high frequency routes and ferry terminals. 
Independents
  • Kristie Johnson in Clark supports annual funding for a Better Active Transport grants program and state government adherence to the Walk, Wheel, Ride policy to ensure cycling infrastructure is delivered as part of road projects.
  • David O’Byrne in Franklin said “there is a strong case to retain and expand the Better Active Transport grants program. I have seen first-hand the benefits of providing support to local Councils in the recently opened Summerleas Rd underpass. I support redirecting the very modest sum of $2 million towards cycling pathways from the State’s large infrastructure investment budget of $1.6 billion.”
  • Daniel Groat in Bass says “I think that funding seperate bike paths would be beneficial to both bike users and motorists as it would provide cyclists a safe way to travel without mixing with traffic, especially in high traffic areas. As a person who has spent a lot of time on the road throughout the state as a truck driver and now a sales representative, I have seen the dangers of mixing vehicles with bikes and if it means a safer way to travel, especially our children, then I’m all for it.
  • James Redgrave in Braddon says “If you would like safe bike pathways Then I need all cyclists to use them Instead of tight rural roads two up. This is a main reason unfortunately there have been more serious incidents on our roads this year with potholes and other dangerous. I don’t see a lot of riders on the multi million dollar coastal pathways.”

What was promised for bikes in 2024

Party promises 2024

LIBERAL 
LABOR
GREENS
  • $42 million for cycling infrastructure on state and local routes, at $10.5 million per year.
  • Provide for a 50% rebate of up to $1,000 for the purchase of an electric bike, for up to 250 students or concession card holders each year from a $1 million pool.
  • $6 million to provide secure bike and scooter parking at bus stop hubs on high frequency routes and ferry terminals and other public-active transport support.
  • Extend the Derwent ferry network, including convenient terminal access throughout the Greater Hobart Area, including the Brighton municipality.
    https://tasgreensmps.org/policy/
INDEPENDENTS
  • Sue Hickey for Clark

    Thank you for your email outlining, Bicycle Tasmania’s (BT) priorities focusing on cheaper, cleaner, and healthier transport options.  I have already stated my position on what I believe is the role of politicians to ensure our environment is looked after at a local level. In fact, when announcing my candidature, I was clear I want to be part of a parliament that leaves a legacy of positive outcomes for now and into the future. Protecting our local environment is a priority and to that end it is imperative we adopt innovative and sustainable transport solutions.

    It’s our responsibility to ensure out-of-the box thinking to encourage cleaner alternatives to existing options.  I am on record as being a strong supporter of encouraging a greater use of e-bikes, bicycles, and electric vehicles, to improve infrastructure, encourage innovative solutions and foster a more sustainable future for our communities.

    I am happy to endorse in principle BT’s policy and to talk to you after the election to see how we can collaboratively advance those priorities with a new government and new parliament.

  • Martine Delaney for Franklin

    I am more than happy to vote bike alongside your organisation. Your proposals offer greater access to a healthier, cheaper and environmentally cleaner transport system to a Tasmanians. You’ve my support.

  • Angela Offord for Lyons

    I certainly support any initiatives that promote cheaper, healthier, cleaner travel choices.

TAKE ACTION

If better bike lanes, trails and facilities are important to you, then let the candidates for the Tasmanian election know about it by writing to them, talking to them or engaging on social media.

#TogetherWeCan make a difference. 

Authorised by Alison Hetherington, Bicycle Network, 210 Collins Street, Hobart

Contact your candidates

We will be putting up contact details for candidates as they are announced
Clark franklin braddon Bass Lyons

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