| Latest news... |
| 3-July-2009 |
| The June-July edition of SPOKE magazine has just been sent to members.
The April-May (477 KB) edition is now available online to non-members.
SPOKE is Bike Tasmania's FREE bi-monthly publication.
SPOKE is mailed or emailed for free to members two months before it appears on this website.
All the SPOKE back issues can be found here. |
| 3-July-2009 |
| A Tasmanian Bicycle Council Strategy Workshop will be held in Launceston on Saturday July 25.
Venue to be confirmed.
Full details here.
A workshop is being held to develop a 3-year strategy for the State Grants Program application in which a maximum of $50K is available.
What do you think would be the best way to spend this amount to promote and encourage transport and recreational cycling in Tasmania?
Your ideas are important in both developing a long-term strategy and the grant application.
Contact Tim Stredwick, TBC Chair. |
| 26-June-2009 |
| The Bicycle Tasmania Tasman Bridge Crash Survey commenced in late 2006 and is ongoing.
There have been 120 reports to date, some extremely serious, and this may only be a fraction of the total number of accidents that actually occur.
This first report is a summary of the responses so far received.
All feedback and comments are welcome.
There are no plans to 'push' the statistics at this stage other than to allow the public to read how problematic this shared pathway is. |
| 26-June-2009 |
| Bicycle Tasmania is changing its constitution.
View a summary here and line by line changes here.
The BT constitution was last changed circa 1999.
At the upcoming August AGM the following will be considered:
- changes related to Affiliated Groups
- changes related to Audit Exemption in future years
- incorporation of headings, general “tidy up“, removal of reference to HPV/MTB
|
| 24-June-2009 |
| car-free Elizabeth St, Hobart and Swanston Street, Melbourne
MELBURNIANS have overwhelmingly backed a car-free Swanston Street in responses to Melbourne City Council proposals for redesigning the troubled thoroughfare. A report released by the council shows the majority of 5438 responses to the different proposals put forward for the street called for greater access for pedestrians, bikes and trams — and no access for cars or taxis. ...read more in The Age
NORTH Hobart's cafe strip would become a part-time pedestrian zone under a plan promoted by a Hobart alderman.
Hobart alderman Helen Burnet will propose a motion at tonight's council meeting to trial a pedestrian zone on Elizabeth St between Newdegate and Burnett streets on Sundays in summer. ... read more in the Mercury |
| 24-June-2009 |
| Novice MTB rider training days
Sun 28th June at Glenorchy MTB park, Sun 26th July Clarence MTB park, Sun 5th September at Kellevie. Dirt Devils are running a series of novice ride days for those riders interested in getting to know some of the XC courses without the pressure of racing. At each ride day you'll break up into small groups of riders with an experienced rider or two to assist you with learning how to ride some of the more difficult sections of trail safely and smoothly. Ride the courses under the guidance of an experienced club rider. Learn how to tackle the technical sections. Entry $50, includes free BBQ. cross_country@dirtdevilsmtb.com mob:0439 622 979 |
| 18-June-2009 |
| The Craft of Adventure - an exhibition, 4th July, 2009
The exhibition takes place at The Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre 6-9pm on the 4th July, 2009.
The exhibition is open to the public to view, buy and celebrate the diverse and unique work of six adventure-seeking Tasmanian’s, all under the age of 25....read more poster.pdf |
| 18-June-2009 |
| Win a Bicycle Engine Kit - first prize in the Brookfield Vineyard Most Entertaining Bicycle Song Competition this Friday 19th June.
The competition is the brainchild of power-assisted pedal cycling activist Greg Clausen.
The aim is to draw attention to a current regulatory review into power-assisted pedal cycles (PAPCs).
To find out how the regulatory review for PAPCs affects you, visit www.hybriped.com. |
| 17-June-2009 |
| Kate Durkin is looking for someone who might like to have the occasional short bike ride with a cyclist with a mild intellectual disability.
He is excellent company and lives in New Town.
If you think you could help in any way with this give Kate a ring on 62781771. |
| 15-June-2009 |
| The RACT is offering a roadside assistance package for cyclists who crash or have a breakdown. In its initial phase the assistance is only available as part of a roadside cover package for motorists but the RACT is considering offering cyclists their own cover.
RACT roadside and technical services manager Darren Moody said the organisation was monitoring demand for the service. The RACT's Bike Assist cover was launched last September in recognition of the growing popularity of cycling. Mr Moody said so far 44 people had called for bicycle assistance, mainly during the summer months. Bike Assist attends to cyclists if their bike cannot be ridden because of a crash, minor mechanical breakdown or puncture. Mr Moody said RACT service staff either fixed the problem on site or arranged transport for the bike and rider. At present Bike Assist is free to the 41,000 RACT Roadside Ultimate members. read more ... Hobart Mercury |
| 15-June-2009 |
| Community Forums -Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan.
As part of the development of the Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan, the consultants developing the plan are conducting a series of community forums around the state this month to provide an opportunity for riders and other interested stakeholders to have a direct input into the plan.
North West Community Forum, 22 June (Monday)7:00-9:00 pm, Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club, Ulverstone
Northern Community Forum, 23 June(Tuesday) 7:00-9:00 pm.West Tamar Council Chambers, Riverside
Southern Community Forum, 24 June (Wednesday)7:00-9:00 pm.Domain Athletics Centre, Hobart
the Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan contains all the background information on the project. Flyer.pdf |
| 5-June-2009 |
| Power-assisted Pedal Cycle (PAPCs) Forum: Wednesday, 24 June, 7-9pm - Baha'i Centre
Have your say about proposed regulations for PAPCs and Hobart’s future sustainable transport. The proposed regulations will limit permissible power-assistance and disadvantage many people who might otherwise ride a bicycle or pedal cycle in hilly Hobart. Visit
www.hybriped.com or email papc50@gmail.com For more info, Greg Clausen can be contacted on 0437 090 474.
|
| 5-June-2009 |
| Tas Govt coughs up for NW cycle path. The Tasmanian Government has agreed to help fund a proposed $1.5 million cycleway at Burnie in the state's north-west. The five-kilometre track would connect the Burnie CBD with the district of Cooee. The Premier, David Bartlett, says the Government will match a $375,000 commitment made recently by the Burnie City Council. The Council has applied to the Rudd Government's Jobs Fund for the remaining $750,000 needed to complete the project. Construction is expected to create about 30 jobs. The Premier says he wants to see cycle tracks eventually connecting cities and towns across Tasmania.'Cycleways tick all the boxes: climate change, health, and wellbeing and community. Every dollar we invest in cycleways will see cars taken off our busy roads, and will see better health and wellbeing outcomes for all Tasmanians,' the Premier said.
ref: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/04/2589699.htm
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| 28-May-2009 |
| The future of power-assisted pedal cycles - discussion paper
The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority has released a discussion paper regarding the future of power-assisted pedal cycles. Deadline for comments is 30 June 2009. A briefing will be conducted by Greg Clausen at the New Sydney Hotel, Bathurst St Hobart on Tuesday 2nd June at 5:30pm. Greg considers that the proposed regulations are bad for cycling and bad for the sustainability. For more info, email papc50@gmail.com or contact Greg on 0437 090 474.
|
| 28-May-2009 |
| Safe cycle lanes opened
New cycle lanes have been launched in two inner Hobart
streets. The bike lanes, in Argyle and Campbell Streets, include a highly visible coloured surface at points along the route to increase
safety for cyclists. ...read more on ABC News(pdf).
|
| 24-May-2009 |
| The web pages of the Bicycle Tasmania website have been extensively reorganised.
If you have book marked any pages, those links may no longer be valid, and a few links may be broken - our apologies if this happens to you.
Please send an email to info@biketas.org.au and we'll sort it out as soon as possible.
|
| 14-May-2009 |
| Survey for eastern shore cyclists in Hobart.
Cycling South are conducting a survey of cyclists' routes from the Tasman Bridge eastern side towards Cambridge area.
The results will be fed back to Clarence City Council and to State Government Departments to influence their decision making about bike routes though this area.
If you currently ride over the Bridge, or from the Eastern Shore near the Bridge, and head to or from the Cambridge direction (you might ride to Rosny, Mornington, Cambridge, Richmond, etc), then have a look at this survey, fill it in, and help improve bike facilities in this area.
If your preferred cycling route does not match up with the options presented in the survey, or on the diagram, then submit your ideas in the comments areas on the survey.
Feel free to pass on this survey to any other cyclists or potential cyclists.
|
| 6-May-2009 |
| Checkout locally made Rodgerbiltit Revolutionary Reflectors for your bike.
What: An active, dynamic responsive revealing resplendent racy radiant rotational rhythmically revolving reflector.
Why: Reduced risk of a rump rammer whether riding responsibly or Russian roulette on the road - due to raised recognition.
When: Bicycle road riding and commuting. All the time - day or night.
|
| 22-April-2009 |
| Need cheering up?
Have a look how the Danish police treat their cyclists at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWogUsbuy4c&fmt=18.
Lets all go and live in wonderful Copenhagen.
|
| 22-April-2009 |
| Movie Fuels Driver Fears
A movie glamorising dangerous driving and street racing does not sit well for Tasmania's road safety stakeholders.
Road safety advocates are warning Tasmanians to take heed of the state's horrific road toll when they flock to cinemas in their thousands for the opening weekend of Hollywood blockbuster Fast & Furious.
Read the full article from the Hobart Mercury here.
Parallels can be drawn with the Tasmanian Targa racing event -
Road safety advocates are warning Tasmanians to take heed of the state's horrific road toll when they flock to the side of the road in their thousands for the Targa Tasmania in April.
It is expected to be a big drawcard for petrol heads around the state this year, after many years of skids and crashes.
But Tasmania's road safety stakeholders are horrified by the 2009 road toll climbing to 27.
Infrastructure Minister Graeme Sturges said people needed to make sure they separated Targa hype from reality.
'No matter how appealing Targa Tasmania makes illegal driving, impressionable drivers need to remember there is no glamour in being a road statistic,' he said.
|
| 7-April-2009 |
| Hobart City Council is seeking the submissions on public access to the Battery Point foreshore.
On the documentation HCC have made public so far the closing date for submissions is the 17th April but as there are Public meetings planned on Sunday 19th April 2pm – 4pm Battery Point Hall, Hampden Road and on the 22nd April, 7pm – 8.30pm Scout Hall, Marieville Esplanade closing date has been extended to April 30th.
Roger Viney the General Manager Parks and Reserves from Hobart City Council will be in attendance to answer questions at the Public Meeting on the 19th April as well as the consultants who are running the public consultation for the Council. Details...
|
| 7-April-2009 |
| Bicycle Tasmania monthly meeting for April postponed.
There is no urgent business pending and most of the committee will be unable to attend so this month's Bicycle Tasmania meeting on Thu 16th April has been postponed until April 23rd.
Secretary, Bicycle Tasmania.
|
| 5-April-2009 |
| Pedal Against Poverty - Pedal for Possibility
You can help make a new life possible for one of thousands of children here and overseas struggling with the constraints of poverty.
Join us in our National Pedal Against Poverty this April.
You’ll have fun, keep fit, protect the environment and help give kids a chance to move from poverty to possibility.
Pedal Against Poverty is an initiative of World Youth International, an Australian charity founded in 1988.
For more information go to www.worldyouth.org.au.
|
| 3-April-2009 |
| Confronting the Climate Crisis – an Eco-socialist perspective - a forum with Ian Angus, guest speaker from Canada.
Wednesday 8 April 7-9pm $10 / $5 conc / $15 solidarity.
Dechaineaux Theatre, Arts School , UTAS. Hunter St , Hobart.
|
| 23-March-2009 |
| A 61-year-old woman was killed while riding in an organised tour group on Union Bridge Road near Mole Creek when she lost control of her bike.
Read the full article from the ABC News website here.
|
| 15-March-2009 |
| The Tasmanian Premier has led 300 cyclists across Hobart's Tasman Bridge to mark the end of Bike Week.
Before setting off from Cornelian Bay, David Bartlett congratulated his fellow riders on a successful Bike Week, saying such events helped promote a healthier community and environment.
Tim Stredwick from the Tasmanian Bicycle Council says numbers this year are well up on last year's 700 participants.
Read the full article from the ABC News website here.
|
| 10-March-2009 |
| Great news - premier David Bartlett is likely to lead the Century and Half Century Riders over Tasman Bridge next Sunday.
He will be accompanied by the King and Queen of the Bridge - names to be drawn at random from all entrants.
And more great news - increased participation at start of Bike Week -
- Ride Launceston attracted 380 riders
- the Kate Tomayo Tour de Femme attracted 78 riders
- the Kingborough Treasure Hunt attracted approx. 35 riders
- the Mt Wellington Challenge attracted approx. 150 riders
|
| 7-March-2009 |
| The seven-year-old boy from Tasmania's North-West, was hit by a car and thrown over the bonnet and on to the road.
The boy's helmet was damaged, but the boy himself sustained only minor injuries.
Read the full article from the Hobart Mercury here.
|
| 26-February-2009 |
| Jagged manufacture great quality specialist cycle and multi sport clothing and have just become a major supporter of State Bike Week 2009.
EVERYONE who registers online beforehand for one or more State Bike Week 2009 events or rides will receive a $60 Jagged Gift Certificate towards a purchase of Jagged clothing.
No strings attached, amazing!
You will need to supply a valid email address as the voucher will be sent to you in an email with a unique Jagged account number.
Their range of great cycle clothing can be seen at www.jaggad.com.
|
| 25-February-2009 |
| Melbourne to get more bike lanes -
New bicycle commuter routes and the inclusion of special lanes in all large-scale road projects are expected to be part of the first major bicycle plan for Melbourne since the early 1980s.
In the strategy… $18 million a year will be spent over the next six years, with a renewed focus on priority routes into the city centre… VicRoads has also confirmed it is investigating reducing the speed limit in the CBD to 40 km/h, to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Read the full article from the Melbourne Age here.
|
| 20-February-2009 |
| State Bike Week this year is bigger and better than ever before with rides and events all over Tasmania from Smithton to Bruny Island most are free and aimed to encourage and support those new to cycling in a social and supportive atmosphere.
There are fun events for families and friends such as the Kingborough Treasure Hunt and Mountain Bike Orienteering and for the regular cyclists there is the Mt Wellington Challenge and the Bicycle Tasmania Century ride that will test the legs.
CyclingSouth Adult Cycle Skills Course are running in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie so if you are considering riding to work and are a bit daunted by the traffic the skills and techniques covered on this course will develop confidence and ability.
The Tour de Femme, Half Century Ride, and Century Ride are free to Bicycle Tasmania members.
You can find the event summary here and full details here.
|
| 2-February-2009 |
| Hobart's Tasman bridge to be made cycle-friendly
It's hoped the bridge revamp will encourage people to ride rather than drive. (ABC News)
Cyclists will soon find the Tasman Bridge in Hobart easier to navigate.
The State Government is spending $500,000 to replace some steps with a cycle ramp, extend a footpath and remove dangerous impediments including fire hydrants.
The Premier David Bartlett says small infrastructure projects will keep the state economy moving. 'We'll be spending $500,000 to improve the cycle route over the Tasman bridge by removing all the impediments, fire hydrants and overhead gantry also providing better ramp access at either end of the bridge,' he said.
'We believe this can take hundreds of cars off the bridge a day."... read more Hobart Mercury , Mon Feb 2,
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