Cycling & Walking
Introduction
Walking and cycling are accessible transport modes for most people. Many of the trips we make are under 3km, and these shorter, local trips represent a real opportunity to reduce our use of cars.
Preliminary results from the Greater Hobart Household Travel Survey show a very high proportion of walking-based trips - over 20% in many metropolitan suburbs. While reported cycling trips are significantly lower, it is likely many more people are participating in cycling for recreational trips than can be formally measured. Improving opportunities for people to safely undertake cycling is important.
The health, environmental, and social benefits associated with walking and cycling are well-known. A greater use of walking and cycling will contribute to the following benefits for Tasmanians:
- Affordable transport options, helping to improve accessibility for individuals and within local communities.
- Reduced environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, noise and air pollution.
- Improved health and well-being outcomes.
- Reduced car use improves the liveability and amenity of our local communities.
The Tasmanian Government is seeking to improve opportunities for walking and cycling across a full range of trips - to work and school, for recreation, to the local shop or park. While not all trips are suited to these modes, the focus is on substituting our car trips where we can.
Activities within DIER
A number of divisions within DIER are involved in the planning and delivering of cycling initiatives. The following provides information on these different areas:
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Infrastructure Planning and Policy |
Roads and Traffic |
Land Transport Safety |
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Development of strategic transport policy and planning frameworks. Current initiatives Strategic policies and plans underway include the State Infrastructure Strategy, Tasmanian Transport Policy, and regional integrated plans. These provide the high-level context and objectives to plan and manage all transport modes to improve outcomes for the Tasmanian community and industry. Tasmanian Urban Passenger Transport Study. A key component of this Review focuses on developing a greater understanding of local transport options, including cycling and walking, developing appropriate policy and project responses. |
Responsible for the provision and management of infrastructure associated with the State Road Network. Provision of cycleways during road upgrades/new infrastructure where safe and practical. Approval and provision of advice for traffic management devices on state and local road networks, including on-road cycle facilities. Technical advice on road safety issues. Current initiatives Working with local government to progress local cycling projects including:
Working with key stakeholders including Sport and Recreation Tasmania to progress the Trails and Bikeways Funding Program. |
Responsible for the safe movement of all traffic including cyclists within the State Road network. Representation on the Australian Bicycle Council, which includes development and implementation of the National Bicycle Strategy. Current initiatives Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2007-2016 provides the strategic direction for road safety initiatives in Tasmania over the next 10 years. Many actions will benefit cyclists, eg. safer travel speeds. Community Road Safety Partnerships Program include safe cycling programs aimed at educating the community about cycling safety. The Road Safety Task Force aims to reduce unsafe road user behaviour by integrating public education campaigns and enforcement. Cycling safety is often targeted in Community Service Announcements on television and safe cycling is promoted to both drivers and cyclists. |
Major Initiatives
The Tasmanian Government is undertaking a range of initiatives that address walking and cycling. Major projects include:
Tasmanian Urban Passenger Transport Study
In October 2008, the Tasmanian Government announced the Tasmanian Urban Public Transport Study, one of the first outcomes from the Premier's Fuel Summit.
The study is designed to provide a definitive framework for action on passenger transport over the next decade. The project will consider the full range of measures that might be applied to Tasmania's urban areas, including park and ride, bus priority and land use planning responses. Local area transport, including cycling and walking, will be specifically addressed.
The Study will be completed by April 2009. It is expected that initial recommendations will be reflected in the 2009/10 State Budget.
Regional planning initiatives
The Tasmanian Government has developed (or is in the process of developing) regional integrated transport plans and settlement strategies for each of Tasmania's three regions. These initiatives will see State and local government, along with key stakeholders and the community, work together to better understand how we can improve transport and land use planning systems to improve outcomes across a range of policy areas. Supporting more accessible and liveable communities is a key focus, and local transport is one of the key components in this area.
Integrated transport plans have been completed in the Cradle Coast and North East regions. A draft of the Southern Integrated Transport Plan is due for release in the first part of 2009. Background reports can be accessed here.
Trails and Bikeways Funding Program
The State Government has allocated $4 million over the next three years for tracks, trails and city bikeways as part of the Tasmanian Trails Strategy. Initial funding for cycle projects in Greater Hobart was announced in December 2008. Visit www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec for more details.
Useful resources
Tasmanian Bicycle Council
The peak body for recreational and transport cycling in Tasmania. Visit the website at www.cycleinstead.org.au. The website also includes information on Tasmanian State Bicycle Week.
Australian National Cycling Strategy 2005-2010
Tasmania has endorsed the Australian National Cycling Strategy. Copies of the strategy can be found at Australian Bicycle Council website at www.austroads.com.au/abc
Cycle and Walking Road Rules
Sections of the Australian Road Rules regulate the behaviour of cyclists, pedestrians and users of wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys. The road rules are covered in the Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999 which can be found at www.thelaw.tas.gov.au.
Specific rules for:
- Cyclists are covered in Part 15 of the road rules.
- Pedestrians are covered in Part 14 (Division 1).
- Users of wheeled recreational devices and toys such as skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are covered in Part 14 (Division 2) and Part 22 (Division 4).
Cycling Resource Centre
The Centre is a repository for data, information and best practice relating to cycling planning, policy, programs and projects. Visit the website at www.cyclingresourcecentre.org.au
Cycling South
Cycling South represents the four local Governments in the greater Hobart metropolitan area. Its primary role is encouraging more people to ride their bikes through education and awareness and playing a coordinating role in ensuring the consistency of infrastructure across municipal boundaries. Visit the website at www.cyclingsouth.org.
Bicycle Tasmania
Bicycle Tasmania is Tasmania's bicycle advocacy group. Visit the website at www.biketas.org.au.
Local Government
Many local councils are showing increased support for cycling within their areas. Many larger councils have developed local bicycle plans or support bicycle user groups. Contact your local council for more information.
