Bike Week 2021
Published on 04 March 2021
Launceston residents have an opportunity to learn more about e-bikes, bike maintenance and the benefits of cycling during Bike Week 2021.
Coordinated by the Tamar Bicycle Users group, Bike Week runs from Sunday March 7 to Sunday March 14, and provides the perfect opportunity to explore Launceston’s emerging bike riding culture.
TBUG President Malcolm Reid said Bike Week 2021 would include something for everyone — from community rides to come and try sessions with e-bikes, children’s rides, mountain bike skills, film premieres, and bike maintenance workshops.
"Riding a bike brings proven mental and physical health benefits," Mr Reid said.
"You can also save money on parking and petrol. There is no doubt life’s better on a bike."
Mr Reid said e-bikes were now the fastest growing sector of the Australian bike market, and people would have the opportunity to test ride a range of e-bike models on Tuesday, March 9, from 6:30pm at City Park.
"In today’s world more people are turning to bikes and e-bikes allow everyone to get the benefits of cycling without being put off by our hills,"Mr Reid said.
"E-bikes are opening up cycling to new segments of the population and also encouraging people who may not have ridden for years to get back on a bike."
Bike Week's first event will be a community ride on Sunday March 7 from 10.30am at the Churchill Park carpark, with a free BBQ afterwards.
“Our opening ride is a family friendly ride for all levels and ages, from kids to seniors," Mr Reid said.
"People who are starting out or have had their bike in the shed for a while can drag it out and join in.”
On Sunday afternoon, Village Cinemas Launceston will screen the Tasmanian premiere of the feature-length documentary 'Phil Liggett - the Voice of Cycling'. Bike Week 2021 will also include a Womens’ Ride and Picnic on March 8 to be led off by Minister for Health Sarah Courtney from Royal Park at 5:00pm.
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings TBUG has partnered with local bike shops to host two free bike maintenance workshops, to help people keep their bikes in tip-top condition.
Bike Week 2021 will culminate with the 'Light Up Launnie' night ride on Saturday, March 18 from 7.30pm at the QVMAG Car Park at Inveresk.
"This will be your chance to bling up your bike with lights and help us illuminate cycling in Launceston," Mr Reid said.
"Last year we saw some very creatively decorated bikes on display, with a rainbow of LED and neon lights, and it's a great event for the whole family."
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten encouraged Northern Tasmanians to get involved in Bike Week 2021.
"Launceston has some fantastic trails for cycling and increasingly people are discovering bikes as a convenient transport option for getting around the city," Mayor van Zetten said.
"Whether you're new to cycling or ride regularly, Bike Week 2021 has an event for you, and I think people will really enjoy this year's program."
Bike Week 2021 is supported by the City of Launceston, St Lukes Health, Libraries Tasmania, Bicycle Network Tasmania, the Windmill Hill Lions Club, Healthy Tasmania, Cycle 2 and Roll Cycles.
The full program of events and activities for Bike Week 2021 can be found at www.tamarbug.org.au