Park and Bike Program Launched

Monday, 21 September 2020

Project - Launceston a Great Cycling City

Sub project – Park and Bike project

Who – On Your Bike Tours Launceston, Tamar Bike Users Group and Reclink Northern Tasmania.

Partners – Tailrace Centre

The Great Regional City Challenge (GRCC) believes that communities are capable and willing to tackle the challenges and opportunities that matter to them, and that's why the GRCC concept was started to identify projects that could help us become one of the world’s great cities. And to help them succeed a $100,000 in seed funding was offered from the community and government plus projects have been offered hands-on support. 

On Your Bike Tours Launceston, Tamar Bike Users Group and Reclink Northern Tasmania were fortunate enough to secure $10,000 for the Launceston – A Great Cycling City project as voted by the Launceston community. 

Park and Bike: Stage one of the project is to establish designated free parking areas in and around Launceston but preferably near outlying cycling lanes or cycle ways. The concept is to encourage the community to park their cars and ride into town for work, shopping, family outings and or other social activities.

Tailrace Centre is the first partner to provide a suitable site for Park and Bike. 

Caleb Smith , Tailrace Centre Executive Pastor  said, ‘The team here at Tailrace were very excited to be part of the Park & Bike program. We had the space waiting to be utilised, and Alison’s vision for the project had us all onboard after the first conversation. Seeing this program come to life was such a joyful experience; two teams of people who love the Launceston community and want to make a positive change in this city.”

The Project Facilitator, Alison Hugo from On Your Bike Tours Launceston highlighted how Launceston already has some fantastic cycling infrastructure in place and the program was really just focussing on activating the community to use it. Launceston’s levee system for example has been very well designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists alike. 

“The program will bring many benefits to the city including reduced traffic congestion and possibly alleviate some of the parking pressures in the city centre. Most importantly it promotes and supports active and healthy lifestyle choices. Riding is proven to have outstanding benefits to individuals’ physical and mental health” Alison said. 

The project supports the GRCC overarching goal for Launceston to become a vibrant city that is a highly desirable place to live, work and thrive. 

Owen Tilbury, President of the GRCC said, “A great regional city is a city with healthy citizens who enjoy regional qualities of less traffic and beautiful places to ride a bike. This project makes this easier for those who live on the edge of the city or in neighbouring towns to drive to the Tailrace and then bike to work, shop or visit. So simple, so great a concept!” 

Contact: 

Alison Hugo, Project Facilitator, [email protected], 0448 384 681

 Caleb Smith , Tailrace Centre Executive Pastor, [email protected], 63274538

 Owen Tilbury, President GRCC Inc 0407 501 287, [email protected]