Ride2Work Day 2025

Wednesday 15 October brought Australia's biggest celebration of commuter riding to Hobart and Kingston, and despite windy conditions in the lead-up, riders turned out to celebrate the simple joy of getting around by bike.

Hobart's Waterfront Event

Meanwhile in Hobart, Penelope Clark and Michael Sumner ran the breakfast at Mawson Place from 7:30am with Bicycle Network Tasmania. Penelope noted, "It was great to see some children getting involved and riding in with their parents before school."

The Collins Street bike lane continued to generate discussion. "The bike lane was once again a topic of conversation with most people finding it helpful," Penelope reported. "One person I spoke to said he felt it was safer before. (I encouraged him to give feedback to council)."

An interesting theme emerged around skills development. Penelope "had a great conversation about the need for more bike and e-bike mechanic training options in Tasmania. Bike network might be able to advocate for TAFE to add something to their catalogue considering the increasing levels of mountain bike tourism in the state."

The event featured bike tune-ups from 99 Bikes, cargo bike displays from The Bike Van, and information about the City of Hobart's E-bike Library. Streets People Love Hobart merchandise proved popular—Penelope sold 2 shirts and gave away all her stickers, with Lily, Dot and 99 Bikes enthusiastically taking stacks to distribute.

The Commute for Climate team from UTAS handed out their own stickers featuring scooters and bikes, while council staff interviewed attendees about what would encourage them to cycle more often. The options included safety equipment and route planning, infrastructure and end of trip facilities, workplace financial support, and lifestyle/personal benefits.

The Hobart event was made possible with support from Bicycle Network Tasmania, City of Hobart, 99 Bikes, and volunteer labour from many people, including Streets People Love Hobart members Penelope Clark and Michael Sumner.

Kingston's Community Connection

For the second year, Kingston hosted its own breakfast at Maxie Coffee on Channel Highway. Organised by SPLH member Mark Donnellon with support from Kingborough Council, the event brought together riders, advocates, and decision-makers.

"We had 25–30 attendees come through the breakfast," Mark reported. "Down from last year's near-50, probably due to the multiple days of windy and discouraging weather leading up to Ride2Work Day."

Ten riders from the Australian Antarctic Division made the trip, and one conversation captured what Ride2Work Day is all about. "I got to have a great conversation with someone who doesn't normally ride around Kingston but did have a basic workhorse of a bike that they use when traveling," Mark shared. "They often tell themselves they need to ride more often, and Ride2Work Day motivated them to choose riding from Kingston Beach to their doctor's appointment in Kingston."

The event drew impressive political engagement. "Three members of government joined us, Dr. Rosalie Woodruff MP, Mayor Paula Wriedt and Councillor Amanda Midgley, adding their vibrant personalities to the event and giving attendees a chance to talk with decision makers," Mark noted. "We were also very happy to have a few Kingborough Council staff from across the road, including CEO Dave Stuart with his years of experience leading active communities."

Thanks to everyone who organised, sponsored, and attended both events. See you next year!

The Kingston event was made possible with funding contributions from the Australian Antarctic Division, Kingborough Council and individuals, and volunteer labour from Mark Donnellon, Councillor Amanda Midgley and Michael Holloway, and the team at Maxie Coffee.