This year's State Bike Week kicked off today with the theme of women in the saddle, it being International Women's Day.

"This year's Bike Week sees a host of two-wheeled events across the State. These include family bike rides, a maintenance workshop, slide shows and bike workshops, among others," said Mr McKim.

"Not to mention the Tour de Femme, women's bike ride, which takes place around Cambridge this Sunday."

"If you're a woman who would like to get back in the saddle or take up cycling for the first time, I encourage you to give Tour de Femme a go or, even if you can't make it, to give cycling a go in general."

Launched by the Minister for Sustainable Transport, Nick McKim, at Parliament Lawns, Hobart, the launch event was attended by professional cyclist Myra Moller, chair of Tasmania's Bike Council, Emma Pharo, and number of other women cyclists.

"It certainly seems that there are a lot more cyclists across the state, cycling for recreation or to and from work," said Mr McKim.

"The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources is providing some funding towards a bike count later this much, which I hope will back this up with some data."

"There are also some great cycling infrastructure projects that I've put forward for federal funding, such a Sandy Bay cycleway and a shared cycling and pedestrian footpath around the Battery Point foreshore. I believe that the Battery Point pathway could be a real iconic city feature, and I've provided $75,000 towards detailed plans to get this project shovel ready."

"I've also provided funding for Bike Week itself, the Bike Futures seminar in June and the cycling commuter survey, which takes place later this month."

All the Bike Week events can be found here www.tasbikeweek.net.au/