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Tassie Bike News Bites
Ride2Work Commuter Challenge

For #Ride2Work Day this year we'd like our Commuter Challenge to go from South Hobart to the Mawsons Place breakfast, but still need some volunteers.

If you are available on Wednesday 16 October at about 8 am to ride your motorbike/moped or catch a bus, then please email alisonh@bicyclenetwork.com.au. We already have people for the e-bike,  pushbike and car legs. 

The Commuter Challenge attempts to open people's eyes to alternative travel options on common routes into Hobart. 

Last year's Commuter Challenge was from Glenorchy to Hobart and saw the pushbike rider arrive first, closely followed by the e-bike rider and bus passenger, with the car driver arriving last.

Writers Festival examines small cities

Our intrepid committee volunteer Alan Whykes is joining Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Complete Streets' Steven Burgess at the Tasmanian Writers Centre festival to discuss the intriguing topic: "Small cities are the new black".

The session is on Sunday 15 September at 1.45 pm at Hadley's Hotel in Murray Street, Hobart. Tickets are $20 and can be bought online at https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=550555 

Hobart Council votes for new crossing, slip lane

The Hobart City Council has approved a pedestrian and cyclist crossing at the intersection of Molle and Collins streets, as well as a new slow-speed slip lane on Campbell Street that will be used by bicycles and parking cars. 

The four-way signalised crossing was approved unanimously following agreement that the extended footpaths would be cut back to allow two car parks to be reinstated. 

The council will also consider the possibility of on-road artwork as a visual cue to slow cars and highlight the crossing. 

A trial of a slip lane next to the new hospital on Campbell Street was also approved, although aldermen Zucco, Behrakis and Dutta voted against it. Aldermen Thomas, Sherlock, Sexton and Denison were absent for the vote. 

MTB summit

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails has transformed the small north-east Tasmanian town and they want to share their story with the world at the Australian Mountain Bike Summit on 19-20 November.

The theme is "Building a mountain bike destination" and topics include managing international events, adventure-based tourism, business lessons and a bike manufacturer's perspective.

New NE trails opening, Meehan info night 

The new north-east mountain bike trails around St Helens are set to open on 22-23 November this year. 

The grand opening weekend will feature a range of activities that will be updated on the Facebook page

And the Meehan Bike Park project from Dirt Art will have an information night on Thursday 19 September at the Rosny Park Bowls Club at 6 pm. 

The information night will be focussed on mountain bike riders, with general community sessions to follow. 

Ulverstone pump track opens 

This weekend will see the opening of a bicycle pump and jump track for young riders at Fairway Park in Ulverstone, thanks to the local Lions Club. 

The official opening party is between 11 am and 2 pm on Sunday 15 September, although local children have been riding the park for about six weeks to help builders refine the jumps and tracks. 

Local BMX riders have been pushing for a track since the last one was closed in 2007. The Lions Club succeeded in getting several grants and doing its own fundraising to build the track on the Council-owned park.