Media release – Bicycle Network, 10 November 2021
Ride2Work Day back in town after COVID year off
The weather didn’t dampen Ride2Work Day celebrations as riders came together in Hobart this morning after the event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Well over 100 riders gathered at Brooke Street Pier for breakfast as the rain held off to enjoy brekkie and watch the Commuter Challenge participants arrive.
Members of parliament popped in to chat to riders before parliament started for the day, including the Premier Peter Gutwein and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson.
Commuter Challenge shows ferry benefits
Two wheels beat four again in this year’s Ride2Work Day Commuter Challenge, which saw five different transport options from Kangaroo Bay to the waterfront.
“We run the Commuter Challenge on Ride2Work Day to show what transport options exist for a route, how long each takes and how enjoyable each is,” Bicycle Network Tasmania’s Public Affairs Manager, Alison Hetherington, said.
“It’s not just about which mode is quicker. Options like riding a bike also provide health benefits and save you money so your daily commute is more than just transport.
“The ferry trial also means bike riders now have an enjoyable way to cross the river instead of having to tackle the narrow, exposed paths on the Tasman Bridge.
“The challenge participants left the Kangaroo Bay car park at 8.15 am.”
The pushbike rider took the ferry and arrived at 8.35 am, the e-bike rider took the bridge and arrived at 8.32, the motorbike rider at 8.28, the car driver at 8.41 and the bus passenger at 8.50.
“The challenge shows the convenience of bicycles and motorbikes and illustrates the benefit the ferry is providing for people riding in terms of time and safety,” Ms Hetherington said.
“E-bikes are an option many people may not have thought about, but they are quick, cheap to run and riders have less need to shower when they get to work but still get in some daily exercise.
“The challenge reflects the true nature of commuting as the car driver and motorbike and bicycle riders all had to park as normal and walk the rest of the way to the breakfast.
Thank you to Motorcycle Riders Association, Derwent Ferries and Bicycle Network members for participating in the challenge.
