If you think rail trails are just for runners, riders and walkers, the rail trail team in Tumbarumba had a better idea. Why not offer taxi-style rides along the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail (TRRT) on an e-bike, to those unable to do it under their own power?
At the official physical opening and 1st Birthday of the TRRT in April 2021, Rail Trails Australia representative Jeff Ibbotson brought along 2 trioBikes to ferry seniors along the trail. Grant Harris and the local TRRT group immediately saw the potential, and set about acquiring firstly one trioBike and then a second unit, thanks to local Rotary and Lions club support. The fleet of 2 bikes was up and running in September 2021.
The main use of trioBikes is to enable people who cannot make the 21km distance by foot or bike to experience the rail trail and (in many cases) to relive the memories of times gone. Passengers are often senior citizens who once travelled by train between Tumbarumba and Wagga Wagga, and their comments usually are “great scenery, loved every minute, great way to see the trail”. Special events are another source of passengers. Rides are operated at no cost to passengers, thanks to Rotary Club volunteer pilots.
Some additional details: the trioBike Taxi model takes up to 2 passengers plus a pilot. Normally the 42km roundtrip can be done on one battery charge based on a lighter load eastbound after passengers have alighted in Rosewood, but a spare battery is carried just in case. TrioBike outings are accompanied by solo riders to assist with road crossings and general safety.
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Sign UpThe Richmond Vale Rail Trail in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is rapidly progressing towards development. As reported...
There are some folklores, especially from a movie, that all you have to do is build it and they will come. However the r...
After a small break to regroup, the Batlow to Tumut Rail Trail committee are once again on the task of assisting this wo...
Two RTA representatives attended the “Western Region Bicycle Forum” at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo o...
The High Tea gourmet ride is back by popular demand. Bike riders leave Huon Reserve, off the Murray Valley Highway, Huon...
The Mansfield Marathon events (to be held on Sunday 29 May) include a full marathon 42.2km, half marathon 21.1km, 10km, ...
Rockhampton Regional Council has released the preliminary design for the Mount Morgan Rail Trail in central Queensland. ...
After the devastating floods that struck the northern NSW and SE Qld this year, some good news with life returning to a ...
More great news for the wonderful Great Southern Rail Trail in Gippsland, Victoria with the announcement that funding ha...
RTA continues to work on making its website rail trail descriptions more informative. The latest improvement is be able ...
The picturesque 80km High Country Rail Trail in north east Victoria is undergoing significant improvement: The sealed su...
The South Australian Riverton Community will host “A Walk or Ride To Remember The Anzacs” on the Rattler Rai...
A short trail link has recently been completed by The Barossa Council (in South Australia) at Sandy Creek. The 100m seal...
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The Tumbarumba Rail Trail group has announced that the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is now internationally certifie...
2 comments on “TrioBikes are a hit on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail”
Hi, I'm interested in the idea of the trioBike for my wife and elderly mother in law. How would we go about making a booking for the bike and how far in advance should we book?
Regards
David Cooper
Hi David – I understand my colleague Alan at Rail Trails Australia has contacted you about this.
The Tumbarumba rail trail group can also be contacted via Facebook/Meta.