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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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.