New park and ride signage promotes cycling in Launceston
Published on 22 February 2021
New Park and Bike signage has been installed in car parks around Launceston to encourage more people to visit the city on two wheels.
As part of the Great Regional City Challenge, the Tamar Bike Users Group , On Your Bike Tours Launceston, and Reclink Northern Tasmania were successful in their bid for funding for their 'A great cycling city' project.
The first stage of the project has seen the establishment of designated free parking areas at Heritage Forest, Hoblers Bridge and Riverside's Tailrace Park, allowing commuters to park their vehicles and cycle into town.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Council had been pleased to support the project through the installation of the new signage.
"It's great to see ground roots community projects like this being realised across Launceston under the Greater Regional City Challenge," Mayor van Zetten said.
"This project is another fantastic way to highlight cycling opportunities in Launceston, and to encourage people to explore the city on a bike." Project facilitator Alison Hugo, from On Your Bike Tours Launceston, said Launceston was already fortunate to have a range of cycling infrastructure in place for its residents.
"This project is really just about educating people that this cycling infrastructure is here, and encouraging the community to make use of it," Ms Hugo said.
"Launceston’s levee system, for example, has been very well designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists alike, and there are a range of trails across Launceston which make it easy to get around using pedal power.
"There are many benefits for cities when people choose cycling as a transport option, instead of relying solely on a car. It can help to reduce traffic congestion, alleviate parking pressures and results in less pollution.
"Most importantly, it promotes and supports active and healthy lifestyle choices. Riding is proven to have outstanding benefits to physical and mental health. I think many local business owners would be interested to know that recent studies suggest that cyclists spend more than their car driving counterparts when they visit shopping precincts."
TBUG President Malcolm Reid said the initial Park and Bike locations were chosen as they offered convenient access to nearby walking and cycling trails. "At its core, this project is about encouraging the community to park their cars and ride into town for work, shopping, family outings and or other social activities," Mr Reid said.
"We want to see more people discovering how convenient cycling can be when it comes to travelling around Launceston. "We hope people will notice the signs, and take advantage of the glorious warmer weather to have a go at commuting on two wheels this summer.
"The funding we've received from the Great Regional City Challenge will allow TBUG to coordinate more community rides, as well as some other exciting cycling and accessibility projects we'll be announcing in the near future, as well as Bike Week 2021."