Change the World > Metro Routes > 4. Metro routes - National > Hobart Regional Arterial Bicycle Network
Hobart Regional Arterial Bicycle Network
Local governments in Hobart have combined to prepare a bicycle network map and have put it out for comment.
We support the plan and will work to get State and Federal Government support to fund the network.
The plan aims to:
- Identify roads that are part of the arterial bicycle network to ensure future state and local
road projects incorporate bicycle-friendly design in future works.
- Record existing and proposed arterial cycle routes on a regional map.
- Provide strategic direction in the development of an integrated cycling network and enable funding and grants to be directed towards cycling projects.
- Identify locations where end-of-trip facilities are required to enhance the cycling network
Read the plan
The funding can, in our opinion, come from:
- Federal Government
- State Government
- Participating local governments
We believe the State should commit to fund bicycle facilities as part of major road projects and upgrades - a common practice in other states.
State and local government should review road maintenance schedules, traffic calming plans and the like to ensure that opportunities are taken to provide dedicated bicycle facilities - especially separation from traffic where possible.
Please support the plan by writing to the Hobart City Council. Your letter will help them proceed with the plan.
The plan has been developed through a working group made up of representatives from Hobart,
Clarence, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Brighton Councils as well as a representative from the
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. A funding grant was provided by the
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts to assist with the development of
the plan. CyclingSouth prepared the document with reference to the municipal bicycle plans of
each Council and in consultation with the working group.
Write to the Premier
On his first day in the job Tasmania's new Premier David Bartlett had one unavoidable appointment--a lunchtime ride on his Trek to "clear his head".
The new Premier is a keen bike rider and his fellow Tasmanian cyclists are already developing expectations of a smoother ride ahead.
Tasmania has enormous potential for bike riding development and a clear vision of the opportunities at the very top of the Government will be of immeasurable assistance to the mission of getting more Tasmanians, and visitors to the State, riding more often.
Bicycle Victoria has written to the new Premier (and we encourage you too as well), congratulating him on his elevation, and offering him oursupport in the shaping of Tasmania's bike riding future.
Tasmania's new Premier is a bike rider
From the Mercury 28 May 2008
'TASMANIA'S new political leader David Bartlett admits it all still feels a bit surreal...After one day in office, he cannot get used to being called Premier....Small wonder that by parliamentary lunch time Mr Bartlett felt the urge to "clear his head"....a bike ride was in order, on his new state-of-the-art model Trek bike, the delights of which Mr Bartlett has been gushing about to all and sundry on his Facebook internet page.'
Write your own letter of congratulations
Here is what we said:
Dear Premier
On behalf of Bicycle Victoria’s members – many of whom live in Tasmania – may I offer our congratulations on your elevation to Premier.
We feel great pride that an enthusiastic bike rider is in a position of such responsibility. It is thrilling that you are so open and public about this passion and are prepared champion bike riding to the Tasmanian community.
Bike riders in Tasmania have been actively supporting initiatives within the State in general and Hobart in particular. Perhaps you have seen the Cycling Hobart map we produced?
We are currently supporting the Hobart Regional Bicycle Network, a concept developed by the local governments in Hobart through Cycling South. This is a great concept and deserves the full support of state and local government.
We ask you to consider this plan and make a significant contribution towards it by the State. The obvious responsible Ministry is Infrastructure but the benefits of increased bike riding will meet policy objectives in the Health and Human Services, Sport and Recreation and Tourism portfolios.
The good news is that bike riding to work in Hobart has risen by 25% between the 2001 and 2006 census. We are trying to keep the momentum going with the National Ride to Work Day program.
We would like to invite you to be an official Ambassador for the event on 15 October this year. You could be a spokesperson and take a prominent role in activities on the morning.
Good luck with your new challenge and we look forward to working with you to get More People Cycling More Often in Tasmania.
Write your own message of congratulations to the Premier.
