Tasmanians seek enlightenment
About this page
A delegation of 25 Tasmanian transport planning leaders visited Melbourne last week to catch up on the latest developments in designing roads and paths for bike riders.
1 July 2008. The group represented State and local government, and the cycling community. The visit was organised by Mary McParland of Cycle South.
They examined the latest in signs and traffic lights, road surface treatments, Copenhagen and other lane systems, intersection and traffic calming design, and the engineering and community consultation challanges of bike path planning.
The group travelled to a number of locations in the cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra, Stonnington and Bayside, which hosted the delegation for lunch.
The visit was timely as bike riding is moving up the agenda across Bass Strait following the election of a bike riding Premier, David Bartlett, and the recent budget announcement of $4M for paths and trails.
New Tasmanian initiative
17 June 08. In a dramatic boost for bike riding in Tasmania, the Bartlett government has allocated $4M for trails and paths.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Michelle O’Byrne, said trails would provide alternative recreational and transport opportunities and increase the connection between the State’s communities.
She said walking, bike and recreational trail networks in urban and urban fringe areas would be the focus.
“New, better managed and upgraded trails across the State will attract more visitors, increase economic activity and bring health and environmental benefits to our local communities,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“As well as providing new recreation opportunities for Tasmanians, the development of these trails will also encourage people to use modes of transport other than their car.”
Ms O’Byrne said this has obvious implications for the reduction of greenhouse gases and for helping the state government meet its greenhouse gas emission targets.
“We will work with local government to develop and improve the bikeways of our cities,” she said. “Excellent steps have already been undertaken by local government and we want to build on this.”
