Bicycle Network: Take Action

$15M plan for Tasmania

24 January 2012. Tasmanian riders have proposed a major expansion of the state's bike network in a funding submission to the the State Government.

The initiative by Bicycle Tasmania is aimed at tripling the number of people on bikes across the island state.

A total of 52 bike projects have been prioritised for development by 2020 at a cost $2.74 million next financial year, $5.7 million in 2013-14 and $6.3 million in 2014-15.

Projects include a 7-kilometre cycleway connecting Launceston's CBD to its northern suburbs, an 85-kilometre trail between Launceston and the North East, and a 15-kilometre pathway between Orford and Buckland on the East Coast.

Bicycle Tasmania's Project manager Liam Correy said the plan took a year to finalise. He said the plan would use about one per cent of the State's $151M road budget and create long-term savings.

"The beauty of creating bike facilities is the budget savings it creates," Mr Correy said. "There are massive returns and benefits from the money you put in."

The Bicycle Tasmania Creating Healthy Connections Campaign is the key to unlocking the potential of bicycle riding in Tasmania, according to Bicycle Tasmania.

The projects within serve as a starting point for governments and community. Existing, local and regional bicycle network plans have been assessed and an examination of other missing links and possible projects has been undertaken.

The proposed projects will benefit the bicycle riders of today and tomorrow of all experiences and ability, while catering for transport, recreation and tourism.

"The development of these connections will require planning and consultation with communities, stakeholders, land managers and infrastructure owners.