From Bicycle Tasmania: 30-August-2008
Hobart’s latest monthly Critical Mass Ride was a huge success - with around 200 cyclists taking part. It was covered by local TV and radio. It was attended by Premier David Bartlett, Liberal leader Will Hodgman, Greens leader Nick McKim, Hobart mayor Rob Valentine, Kingborough mayor Graham Bury, Hobart aldermen Bill Harvey and Helen Burnet (did we miss anyone?). To get the leader of each state political party to such an event is of world wide significance, possibly a world first, and has certainly has never happened before in Australia!! Congratulations must go to the hard working organisers Liam Correy and friends from a new advocacy group Healthy Transport Hobart. Read a pre-ride article and a post-ride article thanks to the Hobart Mercury newspaper.
W00t!
Left to right: Premier David Bartlett, Greens Leader Nick McKim and Liberal Lleader Will Hodgman at Hobart Critical Mass.
Isn’t this just brilliant, and it’s a great example of a Critical Mass that takes on the local flavour and support of the cycling community. Not only that, but retaining the essence of what CM is about and creating a fun, inclusive local event without the kneejerk media-driven hyperbole we’re had to endure here on the ‘Mainland’ during the last decade. As I’ve commented upon at length in the past.
After getting scared off the roads in the late 70’s by a bad-tempered MTT bus driver, it doth warm this expats heart to see local cyclists and pollies getting out there and riding the roads.
Superb, well done to Healthy Transport Hobart, Bicycle Tasmania and everyone concerned!
What a great excuse to go visit the rellies real soon, although I’ve got to work out a reasonable carbon-neutral travel plan. And build up a small Ken Self frame. Oh yeah, and another thing. For those who recall Vinnie and the V8’s, how about a reworked version of ‘Outside Coles on a Saturday Night’, complete with references to Bakfiets, Xtracycles and a posse of Fixie hipsters for good measure?
Reckon that would be grouse. 
