Thanks
so much for the opportunity to share with Bicycle Tasmania my views and
position on cycling and infrastructure in Tasmania.
Just to give you a little background, during weekends and annual leave I assist
my partner who operates Hobart Bike Hire. We mostly hire bikes to tourists and
the most commonly asked question is “where are the cycle tracks?” We recommend
the Inter-city bicycle track but so wish that we could suggest alternative
rides to experience our magnificent city.
Demographically Tasmania, with its aging population, has many residents who
would benefit from regular exercise and I am passionate that we should have
easily accessible infrastructure that allow people to safely pursue an exercise
regime. I also believe we must address all possible ways of encouraging the
community to embrace more sustainable transport, and bicycling is certainly one
of the paths towards that end.
Personally,
my preferred fitness regime is’ pounding the pavement’ as I’m not confident
enough to take on the Hobart traffic on a bike so it means that I have to find
an hour each day to walk. I think I could be persuaded to ride to work if I
felt safe.
I
strongly support the Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project and a logical
network of interconnected bike lanes in the greater Hobart area.
In
terms of education and bike courses, because the season for renting bicycles in
Tasmania is limited we are always thinking of business opportunities. We are
putting together information for schools suggesting that a great activity for
students would be hiring bicycles from Hobart Bike Hire. I was buoyed by the
innovation of the trail of bike racks on buses and hope that they are installed
permanently soon.
Walking, riding
and other means of active transport are important for residents of Nelson. I
support the completion of a bicycle network in Hobart and the early
implementation of the Sandy Bay Road Walking and Cycling Project.
I
will work to ensure you have a full-time voice in the Legislative Council.