Ride2Work Day in Hobart celebrates benefits of cycling to work

Published on 18 October 2023

The City of Hobart is again supporting National Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 18 October as it forges ahead with projects that make it safer and easier to get around the city on bicycle.

"The City of Hobart has supported National Ride2Work Day for more than a decade and is committed to building infrastructure that reduces transport emissions and gives people more options for how they commute to work,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“Next week we start work on the first on-road separated cycleway to be built in the Hobart CBD.

“These new cycleways on Argyle and Campbell streets are an important milestone in building a cycling network that gets more people riding.

“Separated cycleways improve riding confidence and comfort, and give more of us the choice to ride for shorter trips instead of driving.

"They are the perfect way of helping people who live close to the CBD make the switch from driving to work to riding to work."

Bicycle Network's Tasmanian public affairs manager Alison Hetherington said Ride2Work Day highlights the health and environmental benefits of commuting to work by bicycle.

“Ride2Work Day is a celebration of the people who ride a bicycle to work because they are improving their health while reducing cars on the road and transport emissions," Ms Hetherington said.

“Riding to work is an easy way to fit in the 30 minutes of daily exercise you need to ward off preventable diseases and improve mental health.

“E-bikes mean riding to work is now a possibility for more of us as you can ride further with less effort and without the sweat.

“Bicycle Network runs a dedicated Ride2Work program for businesses to support staff to ride to work. We can teach riding skills and advise businesses on installing the best bike parking options."

City of Hobart Mobility Portfolio Chair Councillor Ryan Posselt will take part in this year’s National Ride2Work Day, cycling into the city centre for the morning breakfast celebration.

“The City of Hobart is in the process of refreshing its Transport Strategy to help guide our investment and improve transport options for everyone, which of course includes cycling and micro-mobility,” Cr Posselt said.

“Cycling is a convenient way to get around Hobart and increases inner-city vibrancy while decreasing traffic congestion, air pollution and noise. People who use active transport are more likely to be healthier and happier, and it is great for the environment.

“The City of Hobart is proud to partner with the State Government to continually improve cycling infrastructure in Hobart to get more people on their bikes, more often.”

The City of Hobart is a proud sponsor of Ride2Work Day.

The separated cycleways project on Argyle and Campbell streets is funded by the Tasmanian Government and the Australian Government's Road Safety Program through a $1.725 million Vulnerable Road User grant.